"COMMUNICATION +" PROJECT 2015

June

By  Prof  Barbara Shadden

The United States-Sri Lanka Fulbright Commission together with the Department of Disability Studies, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya organized a lecture by Prof. Barbara Shadden (Emeritus Professor of Communication Disorders at the University of Arkansas, USA and Senior Fulbright Fellow) on 'The Many Faces of Dementia: Understanding the Signs and Differences' at the Fulbright Commission in Colombo.

While many know that advanced age places individuals at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease, the exact nature of Alzheimer's disease and its progression are less well understood. In addition, there are numerous other forms of dementia, each with unique characteristics. This lecture provided an overview of the different forms of dementia, including a checklist of warning signs. Memory and communication problems associated with dementia were compared to the behaviors of normally aging adults and of those with Mild Cognitive Impairment. The audience had an opportunity for Q & A at the end of the lecture.

Opening of the Centre for Disability Studies

The Centre for Disability Studies was officially opened this month. It is a partnership with colleagues from the Department of Linguistics and researchers and disability-rights activists from Disabled Persons Organizations. The main aim of the Centre is to develop local, culturally-sensitive and linguistically-relevant research to inform policy and practice. The Guest of Honor at the opening ceremony was Prof. Barbara Shadden (Emeritus Professor of Communication Disorders at the University of Arkansas, USA and Senior Fulbright Fellow). Prof. Nilanthi de Silva (Dean) is the Director of the Centre.