Primary Progressive Aphasia: Keeping Connections Alive

Dementia Researcher

In recognition of the first Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Awareness Day, this episode explores how speech and language therapists are working to support people with PPA to maintain communication and preserve connections with their loved ones. Dr Shalom Henderson is joined by three leading experts in speech and language therapy—Dr Anna Volkmer, Dr Jackie Kindell, and Rosemary Townsend—who are pioneering innovative interventions to help people living with PPA navigate the challenges of language loss. Together, they discuss the impact of this progressive condition on communication and relationships, and the critical role that speech therapy plays in maintaining meaningful conversations. -- Key Topics Discussed: 🔹 Understanding PPA – What is primary progressive aphasia, how does it affect speech and language, and how does it differ from other forms of dementia? 🔹 The Impact on Relationships – How communication difficulties affect personal relationships and contribute to social isolation. 🔹 The Role of Speech & Language Therapy – Exploring tailored interventions, communication partner training, and strategies that help families stay connected. 🔹 Barriers to Accessing Therapy – The challenges people face in getting speech and language therapy, and why more awareness is needed. 🔹 PPA Awareness Day (4th April 2025) – The first international awareness day dedicated to PPA, aiming to improve recognition, research, and support for those affected. -- This episode highlights the power of speech therapy in transforming lives, offering practical advice and real-world insights from clinical experts and researchers. 📢 Join the conversation! Mark your calendars for PPA Awareness Day on 4th April and help spread the word about the importance of early intervention and ongoing support. Essential links / resources mentioned in the show: Primary Progressive Aphasia Day - https://bit.ly/3ELrsOX PPA Awareness on Bluesky - https://bit.ly/4gD8OGt COS-PPA - https://bit.ly/4gFmFMu -- Full biographies on all our guests and a transcript can be found on our website: https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk -- Like what you hear? Please review, like, and share our podcast - and don't forget to subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode. You can also find a video version on our website, in Spotify and on YouTube https://youtu.be/t2k2-UhJjbU. -- This podcast is brought to you by University College London / UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre in association with Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia who we thank for their ongoing support. -- Follow us on social media: https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/ https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/ https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social -- Download our new community app: https://onelink.to/dementiaresearcher