Rehabilitative Approaches and Prognosis for Acquired Motor Speech Disorders: Dysarthria and Dyspraxia

Rehabilitative measure management and coordination are presented, stressing the interdisciplinary character of this complex procedure. Proposals are made concerning planning, setting and follow-up of speech therapy executed by logopaedist/speech and language pathologist (SLP). Therapeutic approaches based on linguistic principles are presented in detail. An overview is given on treatment of apraxia of speech and the efficacy of different techniques. The application of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) is explained. Practical items of AAC procedures are explicated for children with developmental dysarthria or anarthria and adults with acquired dysarthria, speech apraxia and co-existing neurogenic communication disorders. Surgical approaches are critically discussed. Technical options and principles of computer rehabilitation of dysarthria/apraxia are presented in detail. Advances in deep brain stimulation and possible applications are introduced. Different types of oral motor devices are explained. An overview of drug treatment is given. Therapeutic approaches by speech language pathologists are explained for early and advanced stages of dementia syndrome, considering the interconnection of cognitive and communication methods.