This book focuses on language and communication issues with older people with mental health problems. Radically revised and updated from the authors’ earlier book, “Communication Disability and the Psychiatry of Old Age”, this book recognizes that language and communication is not just the business of speech and language therapy but is relevant to all staff involved with people who have mental health difficulties. 

This book focuses on what older people with mental health difficulties require to maintain their independence and to minimize the effects of degenerative disease processes for as long as possible from a speech and language perspective.

• Relevant to all members of the multidisciplinary team involved within older people’s mental health services
• Each chapter is evidence-based and factual
• Reflects the substantial advances in the diagnosis and treatment of dementias

Karen Bryan is a Professor of Clinical Practice at the European Institute of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, UK. Her current research interests include development of the Barnes Language Assessment, care sector training and education and practice development for the healthcare workforce.

Jane Maxim is Head of Department and Professor of Language Pathology at the Department of Human Communication Science at University College London.  She has a particular interest in language breakdown in different forms of dementia.