title: Language impairment in dementia: impact on symptoms and care needs in residential homes.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Impairment of language skills affects the level of functioning of an individual, interferes with effective communication and can result in development of disruptive behaviour. Social skills and capacity for self care may be compromised. Few studies have evaluated the impact of language problems on symptoms and socialization in people with dementia in care environments.
  
  
  METHODS
  315 elderly residents with dementia (29% living in nursing homes, 71% in social care facilities) were assessed using standardized psychiatric schedules including the Sheffield Screening Test for Acquired Language Disorders and Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Dementia Care Mapping was undertaken at random in at least 50% of residents in each facility.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Expressive language impairment was associated with the presence of delusions even when severity of dementia was controlled for (p=0.02) and showed a tendency of association with depression (p=0.06). Receptive language difficulties were strongly associated with presence of Aberrant Motor Behaviour, even controlling for severity of dementia (p=0.04). Decreased participation in social activities was correlated with both expressive (p=0.048) and receptive aspects of language (p<0.01) but social withdrawal was only correlated with receptive language difficulties (p=0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Language disorders are associated with both behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia even when severity of dementia is controlled for. Patients' needs in communication skills should be addressed earlier to help them maintain social interactions and reduce the impact on behavioural problems and patients' quality of life.
authors: Wolfson Research Centre, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle, UK.
authors: Dawn
authors: D
authors: Potkins
authors: Pat
authors: P
authors: Myint
authors: Carol
authors: C
authors: Bannister
authors: George
authors: G
authors: Tadros
authors: Ramilgan
authors: R
authors: Chithramohan
authors: Alan
authors: A
authors: Swann
authors: John
authors: J
authors: O'Brien
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Fossey
authors: Eugenie
authors: E
authors: George
authors: Clive
authors: C
authors: Ballard
authors: Marisa
authors: M
authors: Margallo-Lana
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D009735:Nursing Homes; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012951:Socialization