Perfil do atendimento fonoaudiológico voltado para a Comunicação Suplementar e Alternativa / Profile of speech-language pathology care focused on Augmentative and Alternative Communication

RESUMO Objetivo identificar os principais aspectos na tomada de decisão para indicar o uso da Comunicação Suplementar e Alternativa (CSA), bem como características de intervenção. Métodos trata-se de um estudo prospectivo. Foi elaborado um questionário eletrônico para envio a fonoaudiólogos com experiência clínica na área de CSA há cinco anos ou mais, objetivando o levantamento dos dados para esta pesquisa. Resultados verificou-se predomínio de atuação na clínica, com crianças pequenas, sobretudo para casos de transtorno do espectro do autismo e apraxia de fala na infância. Houve divergência de relato de tecnologia abordada e exemplificação de recurso utilizado. A maioria referiu dificuldades de adesão ao trabalho, atribuídas, principalmente, por dificuldades de compreensão do que é a CSA por parte dos familiares e de outros profissionais. Conclusão há escassez de pesquisas e de capacitação profissional para a área de CSA. O investimento nessas fragilidades faz-se necessário para ampliar o uso consciente da CSA e favorecer ações de conscientização de outros profissionais e de familiares.

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study is to identify the main aspects of the decision-making process indicating the use of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC), as well as characteristics of the interventions. Methods This is a prospective study, which was submitted to and approved by the Ethics and Research Committee. An electronic questionnaire was created and sent to speech therapist professionals to collect data for this research, with a minimum of 5 years clinical experience in the AAC area. Results We found a predominance in the clinic, of work with young children, especially in cases of ASD and CAS. There is a divergence in the reporting of the addressed technology and the example of the used resource. Most report difficulties in adherence to AAC, mainly due to lack of understanding what AAC is all about and barriers from family members and other professionals. Conclusion There is a lack of research and professional training in the AAC area. Therefore, investing in these areas is necessary to expand the conscious use of AAC and to promote awareness of other professionals and family members.

Early diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimers disease: new definitions and challenges

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, is expected to more than double by 2050. Studies on the pathophysiology of AD have been changing our understanding of this disorder and setting a new scenario for drug development and other therapies. Concepts like the "amyloid cascade" and the "continuum of AD," discussed in this article, are now well established. From updated classifications and recommendations to advances in biomarkers of AD, we aim to critically assess the literature on AD, addressing new definitions and challenges that emerged from recent studies on the subject. Updates on the status of major clinical trials are also given, and future perspectives are discussed.