Hilary and Steve join Leigh Ann on the podcast to discuss the development of the MedConcerns app to help healthcare providers and families overcome the challenges of understanding and meeting the medical needs and concerns of people with aphasia. The app creators share about the healthcare inequality that exists for people with aphasia due to lack of widespread use of effective communication supports, and a lack of training for healthcare providers on meeting unique communication needs. They discuss how this app was designed to increase access to healthcare for people with aphasia, while also reducing the communication challenge for healthcare providers. People with aphasia have a right to equal access to healthcare, and can communicate with the right supports. The MedConcerns app embeds communication supports, making patient-provider communication easier no matter the level of training. Check out the show notes at https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/165

Eating and drinking brings pleasure to most; however, dementia can bring about significant changes in one’s communication, cognition, sensation, appetite and ability to eat and drink. When dysphagia and dementia co-occur, speech-language pathologists play a vital role on the interdisciplinary team and should be a cornerstone in care until end of life in this population. This episode focuses the discussion on mealtime modifications to enhance nutrition, hydration and quality of life for these individuals.

Treat the individual, not the diagnosis!

Dementia looks different for each person, and when eating challenges present, viewing the whole picture is crucial to determine any barriers present that may be impacting their nutrition, hydration and quality of life.

Check out show notes at https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/164

Dr Cath Gregory chats about the latest evidence in Functional Neurological Disorders and the speech-language pathologist’s role when working with people with Functional Neurological Communication and Swallowing Disorders.

Key Takeaway: (1-2 sentences of the main theme.)

Functional neurological disorder (FND) is a problem with the ‘software’ of the brain that can occur across the lifespan. No longer classed as ‘psychogenic’, this disorder is now known to follow a biopsychosocial model of illness. It is essential that a positive diagnosis, rather than a diagnosis of exclusion, occurs. Clear education about the disorder and the use of distraction to help access more autonomic pathways is the current consensus treatment for communication and swallowing disorders. A multidisciplinary approach is always required for people with more complex needs. Check out the show notes on https://www.speechuncensored.com/podcastepisodes/163