June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month!

The Alzheimer's Epidemic:

Are You Aware?

Every year, the Alzheimer's Association publishes a video that details the most recent facts and figures of Alzheimer's Disease. 

This year, in addition to giving information on current and projected disease statistics, the Alzheimer's Association also details the costs associated with caring for a person with dementia. As you will see, the financial burden of Alzheimer's care, for families and for the nation, is staggering. Take a look at this short video.


                


Everyone knows that Alzheimer's robs a person of the ability to remember, but other truths remain unknown. Harmful misconceptions keep people from seeking a diagnosis and that reduces their access to valuable resources and support services. If we can uncover the truths, we can take action to end this disease. Listen as these celebrities provide additional information. 

Now that you have the facts, you can join the fight.  To learn more, visit alz.org. In the meantime, put on some purple and share this information with everyone you know


The end of Alzheimer's begins with you.
alz.org

Is it Dementia or Drug Addiction?

The Who, What, How and Why

 of Prescription Drug Addiction and Abuse

In Older Adults

A friend recently call me looking for insight. He explained the situation:


My mom seems really confused. She is acting strange. Maybe she's even hallucinating. It doesn't make sense to me. She knew we were coming over, but she won't let us in the house. Do you think she has dementia?

We talked about more of the specifics and I asked lots of questions. In the end, I came to the conclusion:  Your mom may not have dementia, she may be a drug addict. 

That's right...prescription drug use is so prevalent these days, older adults are actually abusing medications to the point of addition. As we take a closer look, let's consider WHO is at risk and WHO is contributing to the problem.

Thirty percent of adults over the age of 50 are taking at least 5 prescription medications each day. That makes potentially addictive drugs relatively easy to obtain. In fact, patients have a variety of healthcare professionals to help them along their way to addiction:

• Primary care physicians
• Specialists
• Surgeons
• ER doctors
• Dentists
• Psychiatrists
• Plastic surgeons

With so many possibilities for obtaining prescriptions, drug abuse and addiction may be intentional or accidental.  WHAT makes older adults so susceptible?

An older adult's slowing metabolism yields a bigger effect when taking drugs. This is the catalyst for addition. Since drug tolerance builds with time, older patients are requiring higher doses of medications to achieve the desired results.  This is the cause of the abuse.  

Doctors tell us it only  takes 10 days to develop an addiction. But WHY are seniors seeking out these drugs? There are several possible reasons:

• Age-related aches and pains
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of worth after retirement

So,  HOW can you tell the difference between the signs of addiction and normal aging?  It may be tricky since there is so much similarity:

• Confusion
• Shaking hands
• Memory loss
• Falls
• Mood swings

WHAT should I do if I suspect a problem?

• Get screened- a doctor or pharmacist can analyze the medication regimen to measure the risk for abuse and addition

• Find non-narcotic options- talk to your healthcare provider about alternatives for  treating pain, mood disturbances and insomnia

• Look for new doctors- find a physician who is aware of the effects of medications on older adults; ensure that potentially addictive drugs are cautiously prescribed in limited quantities and for short periods of time

• Seek treatment- programs designed specifically for seniors are available

Who do you know that might be abusing prescription medications? Can you think of anyone that might be addicted to drugs prescribed by their doctor? This problem may be closer to you than you realize. Please share this article with anyone you know who may benefit. Use it as an opportunity to start a conversation about the possibility of making a change in the way someone you love uses prescription drugs.

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start now to make a new ending.
Maria Robinson

7 MORE Things You Should Know About Accents and Accent Modification

De-accentuate Your Spoken English With

Accent Modification

Working to change your accent is done through a process known as accent modification or accent reduction. With the assistance and guidance of a speech coach, adults can learn to reduce their accents by making changes in speech pronunciation and production.

Here are 7 more things you should know about accents and the modification of accented speech.

What can I expect from an accent modification program?

Programs begin with a screening and are followed by a thorough assessment of your individual speech patterns while reading and repeating words, phrases and sentences. Speech is also examined during conversational or spontaneous production. Once the information is collected, the trainer is able to analyze:

·      Pronunciation of consonants

·      Pronunciation of vowels

·      Stress

·      Rhythm

·      Intonation

The speech coach creates a goal-directed training program based on individual needs for accent modification and communication improvement. 

How is training delivered?

Accent coaches offer individual and group training that is available in a variety of ways:

  

·      Classroom instruction

·      Short courses

·      Seminars

·      Apps

·      Books

·      Recordings

·      Software

·      In person

·      By Telephone

·      Via webcam

 Talk with your speech coach about which option will best suit your learning style, your use of technology and your schedule.

Will an accent modification program actually work?

Successful modification of speech patterns and habits will require a commitment of time and regular practice. Your coach will teach you how to practice and then provide materials to be used during independent practice.

You can’t just show up to a tennis lesson and expect to be a better tennis player. The real change occurs when you use what you learned at the lesson during practice on your own. The same is true with accent modification programs. Sure, you’ll learn important things, but just hearing about them won’t result in lasting changes. Daily practice will help you to learn new patterns of production and that’s what will enable lasting change.

While there are no guarantees, a serious student can expect to reduce their accent by 50% or more.

 What kind of time commitment will be required?

Depending on the intensity of the accent and the individual goals:

·      Training programs can range in length from 3 days to 13 weeks

·      Individual training sessions typically last 45-60 minutes

·      Group training sessions typically last 1 ½ -2 hours

·      Each day, 60 minutes of independent practice is recommended

Who can benefit from an accent reduction training program?

·      Accountants

·      Actors

·      Airline pilots

·      Attorneys

·      Business professionals

·      Computer programmers

·      Engineers

·       Entrepreneurs 

·      Medical professionals

·      Ministers and priests

·      Physicians

·      Public speakers

·      Receptionists

·      Sales professionals

·      Secretaries

·      Stay at home moms

·      Students

·      Teachers and trainers

·      Telemarketers

·      University professors

How much will all of this cost?

Because an accent is not considered a speech or language disorder, insurance companies in the United States will not cover the cost of accent modification programs.

Employers such as corporations, universities and government agencies may provide reimbursement to employees who seek to improve their speech communication skills.

Individuals considering services should discuss specific costs of materials and training with their speech coach.

Where can I find a speech coach?

Spontaneous Speech will soon be providing Coaching Services that are available on-line. We'll keep you posted!  In the meantime, think about the consequences of consider how accent reduction may benefit you. 

Speak clearly if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.
Oliver Wendell Holmes

7 Things You Should Know About Accents and Accent Modification

De-accentuate Your Spoken English With

Accent Modification

The art of communication has evolved as a result of globalization.  In today’s world, we must be careful to ensure that our intended messages are clearly understood as we interact with culturally diverse friends, neighbors, teachers, doctors, coworkers, employers and business associates.

While communication breakdown can occur between people who speak the same language, it’s not surprising that speakers from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds face communication barriers as well. Something as simple as accented speech can be a source of misunderstanding.

As a communication expert, people come to me with questions about speech pronunciation issues such as accents. Let’s take a look at the most commonly asked questions.

What is an accent?

An accent is the unique and distinctive mode of pronunciation of a language, especially one associated with a particular nation or locality. 

Do you have to be from another country to have accented speech?

Not necessarily. While an accent depends on many factors, they are usually grouped in one of two categories:  regional and foreign.

Regional speech patterns are based on geography. This explains why people from the south sound different than people who are from the north.

Foreign accents are based on speech patterns of someone who was raised speaking one language and then learned another.  This is why someone who was raised speaking English will sound different than someone who was raised speaking Cantonese and then learned English later. 

I have an accent. Is that a bad thing?

No. According to the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), accents are a natural part of spoken language. It is important to realize that no accent is better than another. It should also be emphasized that accents are not a speech or language disorder. 

Then why does my accent sometimes get in the way of effective communication?

A person’s accent reflects their unique background and characteristics, and for that reason, many people take great pride in their accent. However, sometimes, communication difficulty arises because of an accent.

Persons speaking with an accent are frequently asked to repeat themselves. Misunderstandings often result in communication breakdown. Social isolation is common as accented speakers would just rather say nothing than run the risk of being unintelligible. 

I don’t mind repeating myself to be understood.  What’s the big deal?

The types of communication problems associated with accented speech may have negative effects on personal, educational and professional levels. They are particularly difficult when they result in:

·      Poor self esteem

·      Diminished credibility

·      Reduced educational achievement

·      Reduced job performance

·      Limited job advancement

For all of these reasons and more, some people want to change or modify their accent.

Tell me more. What is accent modification all about?

Working to change your accent is done through a process known as accent modification or accent reduction.  With practice, determination and the assistance of a qualified speech coach, speakers may be able to lose, modify or even gain an accent.

Accent modification is beneficial for non-native speakers of English, for speakers who want to reduce a regional accent, and for actors who need to learn a new accent for a particular role or performance.  

Who can help me?

Accent modification programs are offered by various professionals including speech-language pathologists, linguists and ESL specialist.

Interested in learning more? Check back for part two of this blog next week, where I will answer additional questions about the details of accent modification training.  You won't want to miss it!


The accent of a man's native country remains in his mind and in his heart, as it does in his speech. 
Francois de La Rouchefoucauld

7 Things You Should Be Doing NOW To Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke

May is National Stroke Awareness Month

Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of severe disability. Nonetheless, many people are unaware of the signs and symptoms of a stroke, and even fewer are aware of stroke risk factors.

Although stroke threatens millions of lives and can have devastating effects on victims and their families, it is estimated that more than 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. 

According to the American Stroke Association, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke, with 75 percent of stroke victims suffering from the condition.  While some risk factors cannot be prevented, other risk factors, such as obesity and diabetes, can be managed or controlled through diet and exercise.

In observation of National Stroke Awareness Month, take time to learn about strokes and stroke risk factors…they can be easily detected and diagnosed through routine checkups with a primary care provider or with a simple screening tool such as this:

How did you do?  If you are at low risk...congratulations and keep up the good work. If your score put you in the caution zone...start working today to reduce your risk of having a stroke. If you scored in the high risk zone...talk to your doctor right away about stroke prevention. 

To reduce your risk of having a stroke and to achieve ideal health, the American Heart Association recommends Life's Simple 7:   

7 Things To Do NOW To Reduce Your Risk of Stroke

1. Don't smoke
2. Be physically active
3. Eat a healthy diet
4. Maintain a healthy body weight
5. Control your blood pressure
6. Control your blood sugar
7. Control your cholesterol

Join the American Heart Association/ American Stroke Association as they campaign to put an end to stroke...become a Stroke Hero. You can activate your super powers by learning the 5 things every stroke hero should know. Sharing this information could save a life...even yours!

The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. 
Socrates

Lose Your Hearing, Lose Your Mind!

The Devastating Link Between 

Hearing Loss and Dementia

While researching for a blog post I was writing about Better Hearing and Speech Month, I ran across a DIY hearing test. My eyes nearly popped out of my head! How in the world can you test your own hearing?

Come to find out, it was ASHA, our national professional organization, that published the test.  I clicked on the link and found this…

It’s a self-administered test that can be used as an initial screen to determine if you or your child needs an audiologic evaluation.

Try it out. Click on the pop-out icon for a printable version of the test.

While the name “test” kind of tricked me, it certainly got my attention, and that’s exactly what we, as professionals, are trying to do. We want to get your attention and help you understand that hearing loss is a serious issue.

Now, I’m not trying to sell you a hearing aid and I’m not receiving any referral bonuses from an audiologist, but I wanted to point out the consequences of hearing impairment.

Take a look…

In children, hearing loss is associated with:

·       Developmental delays in speech and language skills
·       Learning problems
·       Reduced academic performance
·       Social isolation
·       Poor self concept

If your kids are anything like mine, don’t be alarmed that your teenage sons have bombed this test. My three did!  No one ever seems to be able to hear me when I’m asking for help in the kitchen. No one seems able to follow my directions for folding laundry.  “Huh?” is the typical response when I ask why their beds were not made and, when they finally come up with an answer, two of them mumble.

Hearing loss?  No way! Believe me, they hear just fine. So, of course, you must assess your results carefully for children between the ages of 13 and 15… at least that’s what I did. (I think you know what I mean)

All kidding aside, for toddlers, preschoolers and school aged children, this is an excellent screening tool, and any “yes” responses should be carefully considered.

Maybe you're not worried about your child's hearing, but you probably know an adult with hearing difficulties. In fact,  48 million Americans have a significant hearing loss. That's troubling because...

In adults, hearing loss is linked to:

·       Mental decline

·       Accelerated brain tissue loss

·       Memory loss

·       Impaired cognitive function

·       Social isolation

·       Dementia

·       Alzheimer’s disease

Oh yeah, if that’s not bad enough, research has proven that, in adults, the risk for developing these problems escalates as the hearing loss grows worse. Yikes! 

Bottom line:  people with hearing loss not only get confused during conversation, they eventually just become confused. So, raise your hand if you're ready to see an audiologist about your hearing difficulties, but don't put it off because...losing your hearing could mean losing your mind.

Blindness cuts us off from things. Deafness cuts us off from people.
Helen Keller