149 A PROFILE OF THE COMMUNICATION NEEDS OF NEW PATIENTS ATTENDING A MEMORY ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT SERVICE

Abstract Background Communication is a key factor in maintaining quality of life and well-being. This core importance for people with dementia who experience changes to their communication abilities. The role the Speech Language Therapist working well documented. Therapists support swallowing disorders however practice focus often on less emphasis communication. recommended allocation Therapy (SLT) Memory Support Service (MASS) 0.5 Senior Therapist. A pilot SLT service was trialled MASS identify needs benefit introducing earlier Dementia. Methods retrospective caseload review completed ten patients seen by as part assessment. profiles interventions were analysed. Results majority reviewed self-reported speech language changes, such word finding difficulties understanding conversations. Patient's self-report corresponded formal assessment results. On 30% presented slight cognitive-communicative slight-mild changes. 10% mild mild-moderate included conversational strategies, tasks conversation partner training. 50% referred Primary Care SLT. Conclusion patients’ cognitive-communication abilities dementia. within adds clinical value supporting diagnosis developing highlight communicative Furthermore, input supports strategies patient In summary these improved well-being person family.