ABSTRACT
The acquired syndrome of dementia emerges in adults and older adults after decades of subtle but eventually cataclysmic deterioration in think’ ing and behavior. It is increasing in prevalence among older adults, especially among adults over the age of 85 years where it is estimated to occur in approximately 35% of the cohort (Canadian Study of Health and Aging, 1994). The most frequent form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), accounting for approximately 60% to 65% of all types (Canadian Study of Health and Aging, 1994). AD presents initially with persistent and progressive declines in cognition, particularly in memory systems and processes (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Changes in language and communication also emerge early in the course of AD, most often in the form of wordfinding difficulties and problems with social communication (e.g., dayto-day contacts with family and friends; Bayles & Kaszniak, 1987).
