Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) is language disorder that gradually impairs a person’s ability to speak or comprehend language over time.

• Staying Connected: An Education and Support Program for Persons with PPA and a care partner
  

• PPA Conversation group

• PPA Support group

Staying Connected PPA Education Class

Staying Connected is an introductory 8-week session for persons with PPA and their care partners offered by MnCAN two times per year.

MnCAN strongly encourages a care partner (friend or family member) to also participate in the full class.

The Staying Connected program is designed for people diagnosed with PPA in the first 1-2 years.  Following completion of the Staying Connected program, a monthly PPA support group is offered.

The overall program goals are to offer support to both the care partner AND person with PPA.

Some of the topics and conversations include:

• characteristics and challenges of PPA
• coping with limitations and language decline
• increasing self-confidence
• discover and practice different strategies that maximize communication between care partners and individuals with PPA
• learn more about different communication supportive techniques
• provide a safe environment to express and discuss concerns among peers
• mental health and self-care
• aging safely in place

Over the course of 8 weekly 2-hour sessions, a speech-language pathologist with the support of graduate student(s), provides education about Primary Progressive Aphasia. The facilitators teach strategies using Supported Conversation and Life Participation models that can be adapted throughout the progression of the disorder.

The next class is anticipated to start in September 2025.

PPA Conversation Group

This small group of 6-7 people with PPA meets weekly to engage in conversation on topics of interest. The group meets virtually and is facilitated by a speech-language pathologist. This group is for people who have completed the MnCAN Staying Connected Education Class.

The conversation group is a wonderful place for people with PPA to come together and enjoyed supported conversation in a safe environment. Everyone can relate to life with PPA.

Tuition applies; one-time registration and consent forms. Group meets for 12-weeks in the Winter, 8-weeks in the Summer and 12-weeks in the Fall.

PPA Support Group

The PPA Support Group is an ongoing support group for persons with PPA and their care partners who have completed the Staying Connected Class.  The purpose of this group is to provide ongoing support during the journey with PPA. Both care partners and persons with PPA are invited to attend.

The support group has an in-person option OR virtual option. The group is facilitated by a speech-language pathologist. No tuition or registration is required.

Please refer to the MnCAN calendar for meeting details.