Memory Changes

Many of us are concerned about declining memory ability as we age. Many people are motivated to do something about it. The good news is that there are things we all can do to improve our memory ability and reduce the chance of developing cognitive impairment or dementia.

“Use it or Lose it” theory of memory and aging.
The literature shows overwhelming evidence that cognitive stimulation is associated with better memory ability. In fact, physical exercise and cognitive stimulation are two of the most important things you can do to maintain and facilitate health cognition.

What should I do if I have concerns about my memory?

At Spooner Health, our speech-language pathologist (SLP) offers 90 minute cognitive-communication testing. Talk with your provider about your concerns and request a referral for an evaluation with our speech-language pathologist. Once our rehab department receives the referral, we will contact you to schedule. We do ask that a caregiver, friend, or family member accompany you on the first visit (if this is a concern, please talk with our rehab coordinator at the time of scheduling). You may be asked to come early to complete paperwork. This will assist the SLP with your evaluation. 

What can I expect at my appointment?

We will take excellent care of you. When you arrive, you will stop at the main reception desk to register for your appointment and then travel down to the Rehab Department to check in. The 90-minute appointment, will be with our SLP, Betsy Salquist. It will involve patient and caregiver perception measures, a patient and caregiver interview, and objective testing in the areas of memory, attention, orientation, language, visuo-spatial skills, thought processing speed, reasoning and problem-solving skills by our speech-language pathologist.

What happens after testing?

Following testing, our SLP will analyze and interpret the test material, and send a copy of the report to your provider. Our SLP will work closely with your provider to consider possible contributing factors, possible diagnosis, and treatment options related to the concerns. Cognitive-communication therapy may be offered which may include the following:

• training on memory, attention, and thought organization strategies
• training on external memory and communication aids
• training on cognitive stimulation activities
• training on behaviors and activities that can stimulate cognitive-communication function, as well as behaviors and activities that can compromise cognitive-communication function,
• suggestions for increasing independence and quality of life
• suggestions for increasing home safety
• resources that can provide support for patients and caregivers including advanced directive paperwork

How do I find out about my test results?

• You may return for one follow-up appointment.
• You may return for ongoing cognitive-communication therapy.
• You may read the report on My Chart.
• You may schedule with your provider.

What if I have more questions about the evaluation or therapy?

• You may contact our SLP anytime either by email, phone, or My Chart with any questions. 
• Our SLP will also offer you an opportunity to schedule an appointment with our social worker, Anne Focht. Anne may provide support related to difficult decision-making, mental health concerns, home assistance, health care, counseling, advanced directives, advocacy, and crisis intervention.

Our speech-language pathologist, Betsy Salquist, MS CCC-SLP is a member of the ASHA-Gerontology Special Interest Group. She has been a Wisconsin Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist since 1998, and holds a certification with the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association.

Betsy can be contacted by email at bsalquist@spoonerhealth.com