Episodes

You've tested your patient and they are sitting at a 25/30 on the MoCA. They have an MCI.. now what? In this episode, we explore mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a condition that sits between normal aging and dementia. We discuss the nuances of MCI, its subtypes, and the critical need for early identification to prevent progression to dementia. Personal anecdotes highlight the emotional challenges patients face, as we share strategies for sensitive discussions around diagnosis and care. Our conversation also includes insights from recent research on identifying high-risk MCI cases, advocating for tailored approaches to support cognitive health.

In this episode, I, Eva, alongside co-host Emily, discuss the often-overlooked topic of puree diets in speech therapy. Wondering- Should food be pretty? Does food presentation help with patients' perceptions of unappetizing puree food and share insights from a study revealing that molded puree enhances meal satisfaction. We offer practical tips for caregivers to improve food presentation, emphasizing the importance of creating enjoyable dining experiences in settings like palliative care. This conversation blends humor with advocacy for innovation in food presentation, calling on clinicians to rethink puree diets for better nutritional intake and overall patient well-being.

In this episode, we examine the transformative role of AI [large language models (LLMs)] like ChatGPT in speech therapy and clinical practice. While we didn't have Chat write our episode, we do discuss how ChatGPT and other AI help our practice. We delve into how these AI tools enhance clinical efficiency and support evidence-based practices, particularly in assessing dysarthria severity. Our discussion includes a review of a systematic study showcasing AI's capability to classify speech disorders objectively, addressing the challenges of traditional assessment methods. We explore innovative technologies like VoiceIt that improve communication for patients with motor speech impairments and discuss a case study on generating customizable therapy materials through AI. Throughout, we highlight the efficiency gains from AI integration, urging clinicians to embrace these advancements to enhance patient engagement and therapy outcomes.

In this episode, Eva and Emily discuss the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), a vital dysphagia screener for adults that assesses swallowing difficulties through patient self-reports. They highlight the importance of interpreting scores accurately, particularly in identifying clinically significant impairments. Through findings from a study involving 200 participants, the researchers distinguished between neurogenic and structural/esophageal dysphagia, noting how each affects patient experiences differently. We also address the practical use of the EAT-10 in clinical settings and the challenges of patient self-reporting.

In this episode, we delve into the intricate relationship between hearing loss and dementia, addressing a topic that is ever-present in skilled nursing environments. As speech therapists, we share our anecdotal experiences where the challenges of communicating with elderly patients often lead to unintended loudness, as we raise our voices in an attempt to connect. We discuss how prevalent hearing loss is among our patients and highlight the frustration of encountering those who, despite having hearing aids, may still not engage properly. We looked into three studies to examine our clinical question: Does hearing loss contribute to dementia? As we navigate these findings, we emphasize our clinical responsibilities, advocating for regular hearing screenings as an integral part of patient care in nursing homes. Recognizing the interplay between hearing capabilities and cognitive status equips us to better support our patients, particularly the elderly, whose comprehension may be mi…

In this episode of Speech Talk, Eva and Emily explore how GERD and dysphagia impact on 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 ...

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 val…

Get ready to brush up on your oral care knowledge! 🦷 In this episode, Emily and Eva explore the world of oral hygiene products in SNF care and highlight the Lemon swab. Talking about what works, what doesn’t, and what might actually be harmful. Whether you're an SLP, nurse, OT, or just really into responsible toothbrushing, listen up because this was made for you! Breaking down the findings of the article “Hospital Mouth: Dental Aids May Cause Dental Erosion” by Meurman et al., which tested the impact of common oral care tools on dental health. Spoiler: not all swabs are created equal. Learn what to watch for in your patients with limited oral control, dry mouth, or persistent open oral posture, and how to adapt your practice with safety and dignity in mind. You’ll learn: The pros and cons of different oral care products used in medical settings Why lemon-glycerin swabs might be more harmful than helpful How to adapt oral care routines for patients with dysphagia or reduce…

In this episode, we dive into the importance of interdisciplinary communication and how tools like SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) can enhance patient safety and care quality. We explore findings from the research article "Impact of the communication and patient hand-off tool SBAR on patient safety: a systematic review" by Stock et al., and discuss how structured communication positively impacts teamwork, especially during handoffs and phone-based interactions. We’ll also break down practical, real-world tips for clinicians to initiate referrals, recognize red flags, and collaborate more effectively across disciplines. If you’ve ever wondered when to phone a friend in healthcare—or how to make sure your message gets through—this one’s for you. You’ll learn: What the SBAR communication tool is and how it works Research findings on SBAR's impact on patient safety When and how to initiate interdisciplinary communication Key clinical signs that warrant refer…

What does your oral mech exam really tell you? In this episode of Speech Talk, Eva and Emily get down and dirty (with tongue depressors, not drama) and explore why the phrase 'say ahh' is so iconic. They cover what is a normal oral cavity for our geri crowd, how to link findings to clinical hypotheses, and how to improve your diagnostic skills even when patients can’t cooperate as much as you might like. If you’ve ever opened someone's mouth and wondered, “...Is that normal?” This one’s for you You’ll learn: What the oral mech exam actually reveals (and what it doesn’t) Common pitfalls: symmetry obsession, passive exams, and more How to link oral mech findings to real clinical hypotheses Normal vs …Definitely not normal oral structures Why “ahh” is more than just a sound

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): what it is, how it shows up, and what SLPs can actually do about it. In this episode, Emily and Eva break down how MCI differs from moderate and advanced dementia, how to approach screening, and how to design meaningful therapy when patients are still “too high” for traditional treatment plans. They share practical ideas for early intervention, motivational interviewing, and supporting independence—all with their signature mix of science and sass. This episode is your crash course on being a better advocate for patients who fall through the cracks.

To PEG or not to PEG? In this episode of Speech Talk, Emily and Eva confront the clinical gray zones around percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placements in older adults. They unpack what PEG tubes actually do (and don’t do), their potential impact on malnutrition and aspiration pneumonia, and how to talk to families and care teams when emotions and ethics collide. You’ll also learn how to interpret key research on PEG tube outcomes and what guidelines say about feeding tubes in dementia. No guilt, no judgment—just smart, compassionate guidance from two SLPs who’ve had those hard conversations many times before. Articles Cited: ⁠⁠Rahnemai-Azar et. al. “Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: Indications, technique, complications and management⁠⁠ Freebies: ⁠PEG Tube Badge Buddy⁠ https://www.podpage.com/dashboard/speech-talk/pages/627463/ Get in Touch: hello@speechtalkpod.com Or Visit Us At: ⁠www.SpeechTalkPod.com⁠  Instagram: @speechtalkpod Part of the⁠ Huma…

QAB Aphasia Bonus Episode is dropping in honor of National Aphasia Awareness Month. Eva and Emily decided to feature their favorite evidence-based tools: the Quick Aphasia Battery (QAB) by Lucanie et al. Whether you're new to aphasia evaluation or just feeling a little out of practice, this episode gives you a smart, supportive walkthrough of how the QAB can save you time without sacrificing clinical depth.

Today, we talk about how dentures impact dysphagia- if we can answer Where Are My Teeth? In this episode of Speech Talk, we explore the critical role dentures play in the swallowing abilities of edentulous patients. We begin by discussing the prevalence of dentures among older adults and the connection between aging, tooth loss, and swallowing disorders. Analyzing key research, we highlight how removable dentures can impact swallowing mechanics, presenting both benefits and challenges. We also address the importance of proper denture fit and maintenance, advocating for patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure safety and efficacy in swallowing. By sharing practical insights and experiences, we emphasize the need for effective communication with patients about their denture use and its impact on their dietary choices. We conclude with a checklist resource designed to aid clinicians in assessing denture care, reaffirming our commitment to patient-centered practice …

Training medication management? In this episode, we address the challenges of medication management for older adults with cognitive impairments, sharing our insights from high-turnover facilities. We review the research on medication self-management skills, revealing significant difficulties these individuals face. Our discussion highlights the importance of comprehensive education, cognitive screenings, and family involvement in medication management. We brainstorm effective strategies, such as hands-on kits and tailored assessments, while exploring cognitive errors and minimizing distractions during tasks. Our hope is that this will empower you in your practice to break out some medication bottles and challenge those clients!

Two speech-language pathologists walk into a podcast. There’s no punchline, but for some reason we’re still laughing. Emily and Eva embark on reading the research so you don’t have to. If you’ve ever squinted at a pillbox, questioned your own functional goals, or wondered how to sneak more clinical education into your life without actually reading a journal article… we got ya! New episodes every other week-ish. Probably while you’re eating lunch in your car.