In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we dive into the challenges faced by individuals with aphasia and their caregivers, and the crucial role that community support plays in navigating aphasia care. Here's a comprehensive summary of what you can expect: - We start by sharing the inspiring story of Betty, a retired store manager whose husband experienced a stroke and now lives with aphasia. Betty initially felt overwhelmed and hesitant to accept help, but we explore how she overcame her concerns and found support. - One key takeaway is the importance of respecting the wishes of indiv ..read more

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we dive into the important topic of estate planning and the legal aspects of aging. Joining us are Keith Leuty and VeeCee Spear, who provide valuable insights and advice on how to navigate this complex area. Here are the top takeaways from our discussion: - Having a last will and testament is crucial for ensuring a smooth transfer of assets after death and providing predictability in terms of timeframes and costs. - Designating a medical power of attorney and a financial power of attorney is essential. These individuals can make medical and finan ..read more

In this episode, we dive into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals with aphasia, a communication disorder often caused by stroke or neurological impairment. Here are the top takeaways: - We start with Mary's story, a client who expresses her frustration and heartbreak over the difficulties she faces in communicating with her husband, who has aphasia. This highlights the emotional toll of aphasia on individuals and their relationships. - Emotional regulation is crucial in navigating life with aphasia. It plays a significant role in personal recovery and finding balanc ..read more

In this episode, we talk about the communication challenges faced by individuals with aphasia, particularly those who have had a stroke or a neurological impairment. We discuss strategies for navigating misunderstandings when the person has fluent aphasia or non-fluent aphasia, and provide valuable insights and resources from experts in the field. Top takeaways from this episode: - Understanding the nature of aphasia and the different types, such as Wernicke aphasia and Broca aphasia - Strategies for improving understanding and preventing misunderstandings, including education and awareness ab ..read more

In this episode, we talk about primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and its impact on individuals and their families. We cover the three types of PPA, the importance of early intervention and diagnosis, and the role of speech therapy in preserving language abilities. Top takeaways: - PPA is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain's language centers, leading to progressive symptoms in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. - The three types of PPA are agrammatic PPA, logopenic PPA, and semantic PPA, each with its unique challenges. - Early intervention and diagnosis are crucial for ..read more

In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, we talk about the complexities of communication and the power of connection through communication. This episode's guest is Caitlin Fattore, a speech pathologist and co-founder of Voices for Parkinson's, a nonprofit organization based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Caitlin shares valuable insights into the importance of early intervention and ongoing support for individuals with Parkinson's. She discusses the impact of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on speech and the need for speech therapy before and after the procedure. Caitlin also highlights the S ..read more

In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, we discuss the different types of fluent aphasia and their unique challenges. We delve into Wernicke's aphasia, transcortical sensory aphasia, conduction aphasia, and anomic aphasia, highlighting each type's specific symptoms and therapy approaches. Top takeaways from this episode include: - Understanding the distinct characteristics of each type of fluent aphasia - Tips for effective communication and understanding with individuals with fluent aphasia - The importance of education and support for individuals with aphasia and their caregi ..read more

This Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast episode discusses non-fluent aphasia, a language disorder affecting speech and language production. Host Genevieve Richardson emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between non-fluent and fluent aphasia, as it has significant implications for treatment strategies and communication techniques. Top takeaways: - Non-fluent aphasia is characterized by limited speech output, effortful speech, agrammatism, and word-finding difficulties. - Practical advice for caregivers and family members, emphasizing the importance of patience, creativity, an ..read more

In this episode, we talk about the impact of Parkinson's disease on communication and the transformative role of early speech therapy intervention. Here are the top takeaways: - Parkinson's disease and aphasia both profoundly affect an individual's ability to communicate and maintain connections with loved ones. - Early speech therapy interventions are vital for newly diagnosed individuals, as they significantly improve communication challenges and create an environment for success. - Specific speech changes in individuals with Parkinson's may include dysarthria, reduced vocal loudness, and sp ..read more

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia Podcast, host Genevieve Richardson interviews Anna Teal, the creator of Aphasia Readers. Anna and her husband, Ryan, share their inspiring journey of creating resources for individuals with aphasia.   Here are the top takeaways: - The Aphasia Readers books are designed to help individuals with aphasia improve their speech and communication skills in a structured and supportive way. - The "fridge functional phrases" provide printable sheets of phrases for individuals with aphasia to practice and gain confidence in social situations. - Anna emp ..read more