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Does cognitive function influence alaryngeal speech rehabilitation?

T P Ho·J Gray·A A Ratcliffe·S Rees·J Rockey·R G Wight
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: We sought to define the cognitive domains that influence valved speech rehabilitation. METHODS: Sixteen laryngectomees with primary tracheoesophageal punctures were randomly recruited from one head and neck unit. They were assessed by a consultant neuropsychologist and a speech therapist. Speech therapy time was determined from speech therapy notes. RESULTS: The Digit Symbol Substitution Test, assessing learning speed and processing speed, correlated significantly with speech therapy time in the first (p = .002) and third (p = .014) postoperative years, respectively. Categorical fluency assessment correlated positively with speech therapy time in the first year (p = .009). Learning speed (p = .007) and categorical fluency (p = .041) correlated positively with the fall in speech therapy input between the first and third year after laryngectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Learning speed, processing speed, and categorical fluency strongly influence alaryngeal speech rehabilitation. This study highlights the potential for pre-laryngectomy cognitive assessment to help plan alaryngeal speech rehabilitation. This has significant resource implications.

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AgedCognitionFemaleHumansLaryngectomyMaleMiddle AgedNeeds AssessmentPsychological TestsSpeech Production MeasurementSpeech TherapySpeech, AlaryngealTreatment OutcomeJournal ArticleResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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T P Ho, J Gray, A A Ratcliffe, S Rees, J Rockey, R G Wight. 2006. Does cognitive function influence alaryngeal speech rehabilitation?. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.20348

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