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  • A Very Geri Problem: Traumatic Brain Injury in Aging

    A Very Geri Problem: Traumatic Brain Injury in Aging
    Jan 13 2026
    Traumatic brain injury isn’t just a young‑guy‑playing‑sports problem. This week on Speech Talk, we’re diving into TBI in older adults—a population with the highest rates of hospitalization, morbidity, and mortality related to brain injury. Using the ASHA review Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: Epidemiology, Etiology, Rehabilitation, and Outcomes, we break down why TBIs are so common (and so often missed) in geriatrics, especially in SNFs and hospital settings. From falls and car accidents without a concussion diagnosis, to chronic health conditions and polypharmacy, this episode connects the dots between normal aging and TBI‑related cognitive‑communication changes. We talk through what TBIs actually look like in older adults, how to tell aging apart from injury, what assessments clinicians are really using in rehab, and how functional, fall‑focused, real‑world therapy can make a difference. If you’ve ever felt underprepared when a “no concussion noted” patient suddenly isn’t making sense—this one’s for you. You’ll learn: Why older adults have the highest risk and worst outcomes related to TBI The most common causes of TBI in geriatrics—and why falls dominate the picture How TBI presentations differ from typical age‑related cognitive changes Key cognitive‑communication, executive function, and neurobehavioral red flags Chronic health factors that increase TBI risk and complicate recovery Common assessments used with older adults after TBI (SLUMS, MoCA, SCATBI) Practical, functional treatment strategies that translate to real life Why fall education and environmental awareness matter so much in SNFs Citations:Most of today’s data comes from a 2022 ASHA review synthesizing multiple large epidemiologic studies on traumatic brain injury in older adults. Mattingly, E., & Roth, C. R. (2022). Traumatic brain injury in older adults: Epidemiology, etiology, rehabilitation, and outcomes. Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups, 7(3), 648–662. https://doi.org/10.1044/2022_PERSP-21-00129 Albrecht, J. S., McCunn, M., Stein, D. M., Simoni-Wastila, L., & Smith, G. S. (2016). Sex differences in mortality following isolated traumatic brain injury among older adults. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 81(3), 486–492. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000001104 Taylor, C. A., Bell, J. M., Breiding, M. J., & Xu, L. (2017). Traumatic brain injury–related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths—United States, 2007 and 2013. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 66(9), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss6609a1 Fu, W. W., Fu, T. S., Jing, R., McFaull, S. R., & Cusimano, M. D. (2017). Predictors of falls and mortality among elderly adults with traumatic brain injury: A nationwide, population-based study. PLOS ONE, 12(4), e0175868. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0175868 Bhullar, I. S., Roberts, E. E., Brown, L., & Lipe, H. (2010). The effect of age on blunt traumatic brain-injured patients. The American Surgeon, 76(9), 966–968. . The effect of age on blunt traumatic brain‑injured patients. The American Surgeon, 76(9), 966–968. Get in Touch:📧 hello@speechtalkpod.com🌐 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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    40 Min.
  • How 'bout a Quickie: Dysphagia Screeners

    How 'bout a Quickie: Dysphagia Screeners
    Dec 30 2025
    This week on Speech Talk, we’re breaking down two of our favorite fast and evidence-backed dysphagia screeners: the TOMASS and the Yale Swallow Protocol. If you’ve ever been buried in a busy SNF day and wished for a quick but reliable way to check someone’s swallow, this episode is your new best friend. We walk you through how each tool works, what the research says, and why a simple cracker and a cup of water can give you so much clinically relevant information. You’ll hear practical tips for saving time, collaborating with nursing and OT, knowing when NOT to use these screeners, and using the results to support stronger documentation and referrals. Grab a saltine, pull up your badge buddy, and let’s talk about dysphagia screening you can actually use in your practice. You’ll learn: The TOMASS basics: what to measure, how to give it, and why it’s more legit than it looks How the Yale Swallow Protocol really works (and the signs you don’t want to miss) What the research says about accuracy, reliability, and clinical usefulness When these tools are perfect—and when they’re not the right choice How to use quick screens to guide goals, referrals, and Medicare-friendly documentation Ways to bring nursing and OT into the swallow-screening process CitationsTodaro, F., Pizzorni, N., Scarponi, L., Ronzoni, C., Huckabee, M. L., & Schindler, A. (2021). The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS): Reliability and validity in patients with dysphagia. International journal of language & communication disorders, 56(3), 558–566. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12613 Suiter, D. M., Sloggy, J., & Leder, S. B. (2014). Validation of the Yale Swallow Protocol: a prospective double-blinded videofluoroscopic study. Dysphagia, 29(2), 199–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00455-013-9488-3 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 Min.
  • The Productivi-Tea: Sipping on SNF Reality

    The Productivi-Tea: Sipping on SNF Reality
    Dec 16 2025
    Productivity: the push button topic in the SNF world. If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s ethical and what’s expected, this episode will hit home. Instead of a research article, we dive into Akyko S. West’s dissertation on productivity requirements and moral distress in SNF rehab therapists (SLPs, PTs, OTs, RTs, and their assistants). This paper READS like every conversation we’ve had in break rooms for yearsss. In this episode, we cover: Why productivity expectations in SNFs feel impossible What West discovered about moral distress across 152 rehab clinicians How difficult-to-meet productivity demands impact clinical judgment Why negative consequences—not productivity alone—drive distress The ethics conversations no one wants to have but everyone needs Personal stories from the field (PRN trauma included) Why the “sweet spot” for ethical productivity still doesn’t exist What therapists can realistically do to protect patients and themselves We get real about navigating profit-driven healthcare, maintaining integrity, advocating for yourself, and knowing when to walk away. 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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    38 Min.
  • 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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    27 Min.
  • 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 Min.
  • 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 Min.
  • 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 Min.
  • 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 Min.