-Originally Aired October 9, 2023-

Guest: Amy Larocca, MS, CCC-SLP

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Brainstorm-Parkinsons-Disease-Characteristics-Shared-Decisio

Welcome to the Brainstorms: Functional Neuro Rehab podcast for SLPs, presented by Speech Therapy PD. Host Renee Garrett introduces Amy Larocca, an experienced speech-language pathologist specializing in Parkinson’s and other neurological diseases. This episode focuses on the challenges and considerations in treating patients with Parkinson’s. Topics include the importance of tailored treatments, assessments, collaborative care, patient engagement, and the effects of interventions like deep brain stimulation. Amy and Renee emphasize the need for continuous education, the role of preventive and maintenance programs, and the significance of patient-centered care. Tune in for valuable insights and practical advice for SLPs working with this complex patient population.

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

03:00 Meet Amy Larocca: Experience and Expertise

05:39 Diving into Parkinson's: Symptoms and Variability

09:33 Speech Therapy's Role in Parkinson's Diagnosis

15:20 Collaborative Care and Patient-Centered Approach

24:44 Resources and Assessments for Parkinson's

34:50 Voice Handicap Index and Patient Reported Outcomes

35:06 Parkinson's Patients in the Community

36:42 Perceptions and Realities of Parkinson's

38:28 Swallow Disturbance Questionnaire

39:06 Motor Speech Evaluations

43:25 Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Impacts

48:37 The Role of Speech Therapists

49:51 Preventative Programs and Maintenance

51:59 Humor and Rapport with Patients

53:52 Instrumentation and Treatment Programs

56:34 Effective Treatment Strategies

01:01:46 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About the Guest: Amy Larocca, MA, CCC-SLP, is the owner and lead Speech-Language Pathologist at Polaris Speech & Neurological Rehabilitation, a hybrid private practice in Northeast Ohio. She brings 17 years of clinical and teaching experience to her patients and specializes in evaluating and treating patients with Parkinson's and other neurological diseases. She is trained in SPEAK OUT!®, Lee Silverman Voice Therapy, McNeil Dysphagia Therapy Program, Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, and Manual Therapy for the SLP. She holds a Parkinson Foundation Team Training certification. Amy is on the Board of the Ohio Parkinson's Foundation Northeast Region, Contracts to provide classes at InMotion, and is the Chair of the planning Committee for the Parkinson Foundation Cleveland Moving Day.