Primary Progressive Aphasia: Keeping Connections Alive

Dementia Researcher Vodcast

02/16/25

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58m

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In recognition of the first Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) Awareness Day, this podcast 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.

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.

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We gratefully acknowledge the support of our funders: Alzheimer’s Association, Race Against Dementia, Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alzheimer’s Society, and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.

Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':

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Previous Episode

ILBD Conference Highlights 2025 - Part One

January 31, 2025

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47m

Join us for the first of our two-part special podcast shows, recorded live at the International Lewy Body Dementia Conference in Amsterdam!

In this episode postdoc researcher Dr Josh Harvey (University of Exeter) is joined by three expert guests - Athina Grigoriou a PhD Student, University of Dundee, Dr David Koss, Principal Investigator, University of Dundee and Dr Joe Kane a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Queen’s University Belfast. Together, they discuss key highlights from the conference, including cutting-edge research on Lewy body dementia (LBD), Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD), and synucleinopathies.

Topics include:

The role of DNA damage in LBD and its links to neurodegeneration
A new Lewy Body Dementia Domain Rating Scale and its impact on clinical trials
Advances in biomarkers and imaging for early diagnosis
The latest insights on alpha-synuclein strains and their role in disease progression
Carer perspectives and the importance of peer support networks

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.

Leave us a tip:

https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/support

Follow us on social media:

Download and Register with our Community App:

https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.

Subscribe to our sister show 'Dementia Researcher The Blogs':

https://podfollow.com/dementia-researcher-blogs

Next Episode

Alzheimer's Research UK Conference Highlights 2025

March 2, 2025

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52m

Last week we were in Birmingham for this years Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference. Hearing from researchers talking about their work and to learn about the latest discoveries in dementia research.

In the show guest host and regular blogger Rebecca Williams talks with Dr Beth Williams, from the UK Dementia Research Institute at The University of Edinburgh, Gargi Roy from Bristol Medical School and Donatella Di Rienzo from the Alzheimer's Research UK Oxford Drug Discovery Institute.

Here are 10 key highlights:

The 100+ Study: Discover why some people over 100 remain cognitively healthy and what genetic and lifestyle factors might be protecting them.
A Revolutionary Drug Delivery Method: Learn about cutting-edge non-invasive ultrasound technology that could help deliver drugs directly to the brain without damaging the blood-brain barrier.
The Great Amyloid Debate: Is targeting amyloid the way to cure Alzheimer's, or just a way? Hear experts discuss the latest treatments and their real-world impact.
The Power of Early Career Researchers: Insightful presentations from young scientists, including work on novel biomarkers for pericyte injury and synaptic compensation in Alzheimer’s disease.
Networking Tips: Top advice on making the most of conferences, overcoming imposter syndrome, and building career-changing connections.
A Game-Changer in Diagnosis? The latest on blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's, which could allow for early, accessible, and more accurate diagnoses.
Women in Neuroscience UK: A look at this inspiring community, supporting women in dementia research – and their amazing science-themed stickers!
Brain-Shuttle Technology: A fascinating session on how Roche's new technology is enabling antibody therapies to cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively.
The Role of Patient and Public Involvement: How listening to the voices of those affected by dementia is shaping future research and clinical trials.
The Most Memorable Advice: The ECR panel shares their top career lessons, from persistence in grant applications to embracing new research challenges.

A transcript of this show, links and show notes and profile on all our guests are available on our website at https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk.

If you prefer to watch rather than listen, you will find a video version of this podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and on our website.

Leave us a tip:

https://dementia-researcher.captivate.fm/support

Follow us on social media:

Download and Register with our Community App:

https://www.onelink.to/dementiaresearcher

The views and opinions expressed by guests in this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the producers, funders, or sponsors.

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