Course Code: REL-RTS-0-SAILC
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Identify how attention, memory, executive function, and cognitive flexibility influence communication and strategy use in individuals with aphasia.
Select appropriate formal and informal tools to assess cognitive domains in persons with aphasia.
Determine prognosis and treatment plans accommodating both language and cognitive impairments, including communication partner training and environmental support.
Outline:
Section 1: How Cognition Influences Communication
Introduction
Neural Basis of Cognitive Deficits with Aphasia
Why This Matters
Functional Impact
Cognitive Domains That Influence Communication
Attention
Memory
Executive Function
How Stress Impacts Cognitive Domains
Clinical Scenarios
Myra
David
Angela
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Assessing Cognition with Aphasia
Choosing and Adapting Tools
Start with Language Testing
Modify Cognitive Assessment
Minimize Verbal Demands
Adapt Standardized Tests
Reduce Testing Time
Testing Specific Cognitive Domains
Attention
Working Memory
Executive Function
Combined Language and Cognitive Assessment
Quick Check
Functional and Multimodal Tools
Multimodal Assessment
Observation in Functional Communication
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs)
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Prognosis and Treatment Planning
Cognitive Factors in Aphasia Therapy
Choosing Treatment Approach
Treatment Plan Focus
Cognitive Flexibility in Aphasia Therapy (CFAT)
Case Examples and Treatment Planning
Kenneth: Mild Aphasia and Executive Dysfunction
Malik: Severe Aphasia and Cognitive Impairment
Lena: Moderate-Severe Aphasia with High Cognitive Flexibility
Joyce: Severe Aphasia and Cognitive Rigidity
Why These Cases Matter
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributor
Resources
References
Subject Matter Expert: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP
Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in settings including school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Introductory level Speech-Language Pathologists; Introductory level Speech-Language Pathology Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.