Which statement best describes the role of speech-language pathologists in dementia care?

• A. SLPs diagnose dementia.
• B. SLPs only provide therapy for speech problems.
• C. SLPs can screen and provide interventions but cannot diagnose.
• D. SLPs manage medications.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that speech-language pathologists focus on communication and swallowing support in dementia care, not on medical diagnosis or prescribing medications. They play a key role in screening for changes in language, cognition affecting communication, and swallowing safety, then provide interventions to help the person communicate more effectively and safely swallow, along with training for caregivers and strategies to compensate for difficulties. They may offer cognitive-communication therapy and use aids or techniques like cueing, reminiscence-based strategies, or alternative communication methods to maximize functional communication as the dementia progresses. Diagnosing dementia and managing medications are medical tasks handled by physicians and other healthcare professionals, not SLPs. That’s why the statement that best fits is: SLPs can screen and provide interventions but cannot diagnose.