1. Learning Disability and Dementia Helen Beltran Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, Community Learning Disability Team Inverclyde and SLT in Independent Practice Edinburgh 29 October 2014

2. Learning Disability and Dementia  1 in 10 of people with Down’s Syndrome aged 40-49 years have Alzheimer’s Disease. By age 50-59, 1 in 3.  People with learning disabilities other than Down’s Syndrome are 3 to 4 times more likely to develop dementia than the general population. Alzheimer’s Society, 2014

3. “What I would say to the professionals is that – you can pull me back, give me my life back and pull me into the light. And by the same token, ignorance, arrogance, couldn’t care less, you can shove me down into the darkness and just cast me away. I can’t do it. I need your help to do it.” Promoting excellence: A framework for all health and social services staff working with people with dementia,their families and carers, Scottish Government, 2011

4. Social model of disability - individuals, communication partners and environments Multidisciplinary approach – working with other professions, third sector organisations and carers Building capacity for the future Focus on building communities of practice and promoting self-management and networks of support

5. Dysphagia Assessment and recommendations Provision of materials to support good practice at mealtimes Training of whole staff teams, including managers Support around decision making

6. Communication  Contributing to differential diagnosis, support with decision making/capacity issues  Training (with other professionals) – Dementia, Inclusive Communication, Positive Behaviour Support, Intensive Interaction/Sensory Processing  Contributing to Positive Behavioural Support plans, when required.  Provision of or signposting to resources and networks to support carers

7. Communication and Behaviour

9. The PURE Model of Communication Support Feelings of Control, Safety, Trust Predictability Understanding Relationships Expression Helen Beltran, 2014

10. Key skills  Assessment, when appropriate  Provision of visual frameworks on which individuals and carers can hang their thinking about dementia  Training and presentations  Signposting to resources and services  Joint working  Advocating for appropriate supports  Building and nurturing support networks for champions  Supporting the creation of a local dementia community of practice

11. Thank you.  Helen.Beltran@ggc.scot.nhs.uk Helen.Beltran@ggc.scot.nhs.uk  iamhelenbeltran@gmail.com iamhelenbeltran@gmail.com  Home: 0141 945 2651  Mobile: 0777 251 6311