INformation
The Loom Connection specializes in functional treatment for adolescents and adults living with an Aquired Brain Injury or Neurological Disorder. Services include evaluation and treatment of speech, language and cognitive disorders. We follow The Life Participation Approach and always welcome the inclusion of family and caregivers in our training to increase carryover and progress towards goals.
Traumatic Brain Injury
What is Traumatic Brain Injury?
A Traumatic Brain Injury refers to any injury to the brain caused by an external force that results in a total or partial functional disability and or psychosocial impairment. Traumatic Brain Injuries are most often caused by a fall, car accident or sport related injury.
Is a Concussion a Traumatic Brain Injury?
Yes. A concussion is considered a "mild" traumatic brain injury. Although "mild", a concussion may have devastating effects on an individual's language, memory, attention, reasoning, judgement and problem solving.
What is therapy like for Traumatic Brain Injury?
Cognitive therapy focuses on increasing an individual's understanding of how lifestyle effects the workings of the brain and strategies and exercises to improve distraction, memory, and information processing. Specific attention is paid to sleep, nutrition, body movement, and new learning to heal the brain naturally after an injury.
Aphasia
What is Aphasia?
Aphasia is the loss of the ability to produce or understand spoken and written language. Aphasia can result from an acquired brain injury.
What is the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA)?
The Life Participation Approach is a philosophy of service where the client is at the center of all decision making with the end goal being to re-engage in all aspects of life. An empowering and supportive treatment atmosphere is at the core of returning to living one's best active life.
For more information visit: www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/LPAA
What is therapy like for Aphasia?
Through a part formal, part informal evaluation process the patient and therapist will determine functional goals to enhance the individual's communication needs using LPAA principles. Please allow up to 90 minutes for the initial evaluation. Following this appointment the patient and therapist will participate 60 minute sessions focusing on these personalized goals using evidence based treatment through the LPAA model.
A.L.S.
What is A.L.S.?
Also known as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or "Lou Gehrig's disease", A.L.S. is a disease which causes the muscles of the body to weaken and impacts the body's physical function.
How can speech therapy help in the case of an A.L.S. diagnosis?
As the disease of A.L.S. progresses individuals may loose the ability to control the muscles which control speech and swallowing. Speech therapy works to preserve the functionality of the muscles of the face, mouth and throat to prolong their use to speak and swallow safely. Along with muscular techniques, speech therapy will aid in the placement of a low or high tech speech device to enhance communication at all stages of the disease.
Long Term Brain Health
Are there any ways to prevent Dementia even if it runs in the family?
Research has shown that changes in lifestyle in your 30's, 40's, and 50's may "turn off" or "delay" the expression of the apolipoprotein E gene or "APOE gene". Cognitive therapy looks at the risks that are present in one's lifestyle and works to shape an environment for the brain to age in a healthy functional way and decrease the risk of any Dementia.
Is there hope after a Dementia diagnosis?
Yes! Cognitive therapy can help preserve and enhance the brain's ability to retain memories, process information and complete functional tasks. Therapy can also help in setting up an environment that optimizes brain function while maintaining one's individuality and dignity.
