Episodios

  • DOSS It Matter? (Spoiler: Yes.)

    DOSS It Matter? (Spoiler: Yes.)
    Dec 2 2025
    We break down the Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS)—a 7-point scale created to bring consistency, clarity, and objective severity ratings to dysphagia evals. We dig into the original 1999 article, why the scale was developed, and how SLPs can use it to support documentation, payor justification, and person-centered goal writing. In this episode, you’ll learn: What the DOSS measures and how each level (1–7) is defined Why nutrition, diet modifications, and independence all matter How the DOSS improves inter-rater reliability in dysphagia evaluations The importance of environment and supervision in diet recommendations How to use DOSS levels to build clear goals and treatment plans Limitations in the original study (and what to consider clinically) Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 m
  • MCI...Now What?

    MCI...Now What?
    Nov 18 2025
    How likely is someone with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to develop dementia down the line? In this episode, we’re digging into two key studies that explore how different types of MCI—amnesic, non-amnesic, and multi-domain—relate to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Breaking down what the data says, what tests matter most, and what we can actually say when patients ask, “So… am I going to have dementia?” This one’s all about making sense of cognitive subtypes, connecting research to real-world evaluation and discharge planning, and keeping our patient education rooted in evidence (and compassion). You’ll learn: What differentiates amnesic, non-amnesic, and multi-domain MCI subtype How each subtype correlates with the risk of developing Alzheimer’s dementia Why visual and verbal memory testing both matter in predicting progression How to use this research to guide discharge planning and patient/family education How to respond when patients ask tough questions about their cognitive prognosis Kosmidis, M. (2018). Visual memory tests enhance the identification of amnestic MCI cases at greater risk of Alzheimer's disease. International Psychogeriatrics. https://doi.org/10.1017/S104161021800145X Serrano, C. M., Dillon, C., Leis, A., Taragano, F. E., & Allegri, R. F. (2013). Mild cognitive impairment: risk of dementia according to subtypes. Actas espanolas de psiquiatria, 41(6), 330–339. Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 m
  • Should Food be Pretty?

    Should Food be Pretty?
    Nov 4 2025
    How gross is puree? This week, we’re talking about dysphagia and food presentation. We looked at a study that compared how patients felt about molded versus un-molded purees (spoiler: looks matter, but taste still wins). We’ll talk about how this ties into patient intake, quality of life, and what we actually can do about it in real-world settings—especially when we're not running the kitchen. Grab your scoop molds and let's dig in. You’ll learn: What the research says about patient preferences for dysphagia-safe meals Why food appearance might help increase intake How to advocate for better food presentation without overhauling the kitchen Easy ways to educate patients and caregivers on mealtime strategies Articles Cited: Wright, L., Cotter, D., & Hickson, M. (2005). The effectiveness of food presentation on intake and nutritional status in elderly patients with dysphagia. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 18(6), 321–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-277X.2005.00635.x Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpodPart of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 m
  • Chat- Can You Write Our Next Episode?

    Chat- Can You Write Our Next Episode?
    Oct 21 2025
    In this episode, we’re diving into the world of AI and how it’s showing up in speech-language pathology. We looked at two articles—one on using AI to rate dysarthria severity, and another on using ChatGPT to help make therapy materials. We’ll break down the basics of machine learning and deep learning, talk about what works (and what’s still kind of clunky), and share how we’ve been using these tools in real-life sessions. Whether you’re AI-curious or already experimenting, this one’s for you. You’ll learn: The difference between machine learning and deep learning in speech assessment How AI models can rate dysarthria severity with up to 90% accuracy Why acoustic features like pitch, jitter, and shimmer are key inputs in AI analysis How SLPs can use ChatGPT to generate therapy prompts for speech, language, and cognition The limitations of AI, including hallucinated references and lack of language comprehension Practical ideas for applying AI-generated content to your caseload Why AI won’t replace SLPs—but can absolutely make our jobs easier Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 m
  • When walking-walk. When eating, Eat-10

    When walking-walk. When eating, Eat-10
    Oct 7 2025
    The EAT-10 is a quick self-assessment tool used in dysphagia screening, but how valid is it really? In this episode, Eva and Emily break down a study by Möller et al. that evaluates both the structural and clinical validity of the EAT-10—and what that means for your practice. Plus, we introduce a free Badge Buddy resource to help you screen more efficiently. You’ll learn: How the EAT-10 works and what it measures What "structural" and "clinical" validity mean for screening tools Key differences in symptom reporting between neurogenic and structural dysphagia How to apply EAT-10 results to guide referrals and hypotheses Limitations of the tool, especially in certain populations How to use our free Badge Buddy tool during screenings Freebies: Eat-10/Section K Badge Buddy Print this out, laminate, and attach to your work badge! Articles Cited: Möller R, Safa S, Östberg P. A prospective study for evaluation of structural and clinical validity of the Eating Assessment Tool. BMC Geriatr. 2020 Aug 5;20(1):269. doi: 10.1186/s12877-020-01654-0. PMID: 32758137; PMCID: PMC7405447. Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 m
  • What? I can't hear you- Hearing loss and Dementia??

    What? I can't hear you- Hearing loss and Dementia??
    Sep 23 2025
    Join Eva and Emily as they explore whether hearing loss contributes to dementia. They break down key research, including the ACHIEVE study, and share insights for clinical practice. Learn how SLPs can advocate for hearing screenings, support social engagement, and recognize when cognitive changes might actually be related to hearing. Plus, real stories from the field and thoughtful discussion about patient quality of life. You’ll learn: How hearing loss and dementia may be linked What the ACHIEVE study says about hearing interventions Why social isolation is a risk factor for cognitive decline How SLPs can screen, educate, and advocate in SNF settings Real-world clinical stories and takeaways Articles Cited: Lin, F. R., Metter, E. J., O'Brien, R. J., Resnick, S. M., Zonderman, A. B., & Ferrucci, L. (2011). Hearing loss and incident dementia. Archives of Neurology, 68(2), 214–220. https://doi.org/10.1001/archneurol.2010.362 Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hearing Loss and Dementia. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/hearing-loss/hearing-loss-and-dementia The ACHIEVE Study. National Institute on Aging. https://agingresearchbiobank.nia.nih.gov/studies/achieve Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    26 m
  • Oh My GERD

    Oh My GERD
    Sep 9 2025
    In this episode of Speech Talk, Eva and Emily explore how GERD impacts swallowing, nutrition, and patient care in skilled nursing facilities. Learn how to recognize GERD-related symptoms, advocate for proper referrals, educate CNAs, and navigate precautions like posture and diet modifications. With clinical research and personal stories, they break down practical steps SLPs can take to make a difference in GERD management—without overstepping scope. You’ll learn: How GERD symptoms affect swallowing and esophageal function When and how to refer to GI specialists Strategies for working with CNAs on posture and safety Why smaller, more frequent meals are often recommended The pros and cons of PPI use—including dementia and kidney risks When to use tools like the EAT-10 to assess GERD-related quality of life How to build clinically relevant goals for patients with GERD Articles Referenced: Revicki, D. A., Wood, M., Maton, P. N., & Sorensen, S. (1998). The impact of gastroesophageal reflux disease on health-related quality of life. The American Journal of Medicine, 104(3), 252–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(97)00354-9 Abraham, B. P., & Gulati, N. (2022). Proton pump inhibitors: Risks and benefits. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 89(12), 700–703. https://doi.org/10.3949/ccjm.89a.22059 Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved May 25, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/proton-pump-inhibitors Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 m
  • Cognitive Stimulation in Dementia

    Cognitive Stimulation in Dementia
    Aug 26 2025
    This week, we’re diving into one of the murkiest waters of SLP practice: cognitive interventions for people with dementia. When you hear “Well, can’t you just work on following directions?”—do you cry inside? Same. That’s why we’re unpacking a meta-analysis to give you the research-backed confidence to stand your ground. We reviewed “Do cognitive interventions improve general cognition in dementia? A meta-analysis and meta-regression” by Huntley et al. to understand what works, what doesn’t, and what’s still unclear when it comes to treating dementia in a meaningful way. Spoiler alert: only treatment shown to have a positive impact on standardized testing, but there’s still a long way to go when it comes to proving quality-of-life improvements. You’ll learn: The difference between Cognitive Therapy (CT), Cognitive Stimulation (CS), and Cognitive Rehabilitation (CR) What type of cognitive intervention showed the most promise in research Why “following directions” is not a valid treatment goal in moderate-severe dementia How to collaborate with your Activities Department to support patients meaningfully How to justify “eval-only” decisions Tips for educating staff and advocating for appropriate referrals Why you might want to brush up on your group therapy policies Articles Referenced: Huntley, J.D., et al. Do cognitive interventions improve general cognition in dementia? A meta-analysis and meta-regression. BMJ Open, 2015 Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠ Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the Human Content Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    29 m