Full Definition

Speech-language pathology (SLP) — often called speech therapy — is a healthcare discipline focused on communication and swallowing disorders. For older adults, SLP addresses three main areas: speech and language (including aphasia following stroke and the communication challenges of dementia), swallowing (dysphagia evaluation and treatment), and cognitive communication (memory, attention, reasoning, and organizational skills that affect communication).

Following stroke, aphasia (impaired language ability) may affect speaking, comprehension, reading, and writing. SLPs use evidence-based language therapy approaches to help recover or compensate for language loss — a process that can continue yielding gains for months to years after stroke onset.

Dysphagia evaluation and treatment is a major component of SLP practice in senior care settings. SLPs conduct both clinical bedside evaluations and instrumental assessments (videofluoroscopy) to determine the nature and severity of swallowing problems and prescribe appropriate diet modifications and swallowing exercises.

In dementia, SLPs play an important role in addressing the progressive communication changes associated with cognitive decline, adapting communication strategies for family and staff, and evaluating swallowing safety as dementia advances. In Parkinson’s disease, the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) program — delivered by specially trained SLPs — has strong evidence for improving voice volume and swallowing function.