A study in Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions found that videoconferencing can help patients with dementia and moderate aphasia symptoms regain communication skills.
The researchers identified 34 participants with progressive aphasia, 31 of whom completed the study. These participants received an initial evaluation, eight speech-language therapy appointments via videoconferencing and two post-therapy evaluations.
The researchers analyzed patient compliance, functional gains and duration of beneficial outcomes related to communication. They concluded that the videoconferencing intervention "provides a feasible model for delivering care to individuals with dementia and mild and/or moderate aphasia symptoms who have an engaged care-partner and prior familiarity with a computer."