Archives

Comparing a Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study and Esophagram

April 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
A Videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS) and esophagram are helpful tools for evaluating a person’s swallowing function. This handout explains the similarities and differences to help determine which one may be more appropriate.
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Characterizing Quality of Life in Caregivers of People with Parkinson’s Disease and Dysphagia (2021)

April 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Over recent years, caregiver burnout has become a topic of discussion with the aging population and their increasing life expectancy with chronic diseases. The priority of healthcare has been to manage the person’s chronic disease while trying to live safely at home with a good QOL.  However, this burden of care often falls on caregivers […]
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Emergency Preparedness with a Disability

March 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
This handout covers different elements of being prepared for emergency situations given changes due to the new onset of a condition for a caregiver and/or patient.
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Drooling Rating Scales in Parkinson’s disease: A Systematic Review (2021)

March 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Various measurement tools are used in clinical practice and research. There are clinician-based outcome measures tools (ClinROMs), patient-reported outcome measures tools (PROMs), or caregiver-reported outcome measures tools (CROMs). This systematic review found six scales for drooling rating; however, only three were designed for PwP. It was also determined that terms were used interchangeably, including drooling, […]
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Saliva Anatomy and Function

March 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Saliva is necessary for supporting swallowing, digestion, and teeth protection. Three salivary glands produce one to two liters of the body’s daily saliva.Video on how to use this resource:Nascimento, D., Carmona, J., Mestre, T., Ferreira, J. J., & Guimarães, I. (2021). Drooling rating scales in Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review. Parkinsonism & Related Disorders, 91, […]
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Counseling Clients With Dysphagia: A Resource for Clinicians (2022)

February 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
Counseling is considered an essential skill for SLPs. It addresses people’s negative emotions and thoughts after experiencing cognitive communication and swallowing disorders. Dysphagia can have a negative impact on a person and family member’s quality of life. Various counseling approaches in speech-language pathology research have been used clinically. These include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational […]
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IDDSI Level 6 (Soft and Bite-Sized)

January 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
The International Dysphagia Diet Initiative (IDDSI) level six is for modified solids called “Soft and Bite-Sized.” This material provides information for patients and their caregivers on this consistency’s characteristics, the reasoning for recommendation/need for this consistency, ways to test this consistency at home, and helpful recommendations for preparation.
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Prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease: A meta-analysis (2012)

January 1, 2023 by Ashley Zhinin.
The articles in this meta-analysis study all included people with PD living in the community. Prevalence of dysphagia would be higher for hospitalized individuals with PD or residing in an institutionalized facility. Oropharyngeal dysphagia was present in over one-third of community-living patients with PD. These numbers are higher for patients with advanced PD. Aspiration pneumonia […]
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Determining the Risk of Aspiration

December 1, 2022 by Ashley Zhinin.
For healthy people, the protective system within the lungs can stay healthy even with trace amounts of aspiration. For people with dysphagia, there are many factors to consider when determining their risk for aspiration. This resource explores these factors.
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