Course Code: REL-RTS-0-SSPDAI
Hours: 2
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Recall the pathophysiology, progression, and impact of medications on speech-language pathology services for Parkinson’s disease.
Recognize how Parkinson’s disease affects speech, swallowing, and cognition across disease stages.
Identify assessment tools and evaluation findings used to guide interdisciplinary care planning for speech, swallowing, and cognitive impairments in Parkinson’s disease.
Choose evidence-based treatment approaches for speech, swallowing, and cognition tailored to functional impairments and disease severity.
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction and Clinical Framework
Pathophysiology and Clinical Features
Why This Matters
Diagnosis
Disease Progression
Quick Check
Medical Management
Overall Goal of Treatment
Determine Goals Focus
Clinical Scenario: Kara
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Dysarthria Assessment
Dysarthria in PD
Phases of Speech Change
Example Patient Profile
Dysarthria Evaluation
Patient Interview
Oral Mechanism Examination
Voice Assessment
Formal Tests
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Dysarthria Treatment
Approach to Dysarthria Intervention
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
Treatment by Speech Subsystem
Respiration
Vocal Volume
Vocal Pitch and Prosody
Resonance
Articulation
Intelligibility and Functional Communication
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Dysphagia Assessment
Dysphagia in PD
Clinical Swallowing Evaluation (CSE)
Instrumental Evaluation (MBSS and FEES)
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Dysphagia Treatment
Approach to Dysphagia Treatment
Timing of Intervention
Increasing Strength for Swallowing
Compensatory Approaches: Exercises and Strategies
Quick Check
Nutrition, Diet Textures, and Mealtime Management
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
Enteral Nutrition Options
Treatments with Limited Evidence
Key Takeaways
Section 6: Cognitive-Communication Assessment
Cognitive-Communication Deficits in PD
Risk Factors and Comorbidities
Cognitive Impairment: Progression and Predictors
Quick Check
Screening and Assessment Tools
Screening Tools
Formal Assessments
Cognitive Assessment by Domains
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 7: Cognitive-Communication Treatment
Approach to Cognitive-Communication Treatment
Evidence-Based Learning Strategies
Real-World Application and Clinical Outcomes
Quick Check
Targeting Approaches by Cognitive Domain
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Social Engagement
Diet and Medication Timing
Physical Exercise
Caregiver Support
Knowledge Check
Key Takeaways
Section 8: Joe’s Journey
Skilled Nursing Facility
Communication Concerns
Treatment Plan
Interventions
Quick Check
Care Transition
Home Health
Findings and Recommendations
Personalizing Care
Community Resources
Outpatient Clinic
Quick Check
Supporting Independence
Looking Ahead
Quick Check
Joe’s Current Status
Key Takeaways
Section 9: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributor
Resources
ReferencesSubject Matter Expert: Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP
Susan Almon-Matangos, MS, CCC-SLP, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist with over 40 years of experience. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Jacksonville State University and her Master of Science degree in speech-language pathology from The University of Alabama. She has provided care to clients across the lifespan with diverse diagnostic conditions in settings including school, hospital, skilled nursing facility, outpatient clinic, and home health settings. In her previous role as a national clinical director for a contract therapy company, she developed training programs for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology focusing on clinical rehabilitation needs of older adults in post-acute care. Currently, she serves as the Lead Subject Matter Expert Writer for Speech-Language Pathology at Relias, where she leverages her clinical expertise and analysis of published research. She is a certified member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Intermediate level Speech-Language Pathologists; Intermediate level Speech-Language Pathology Assistant; in the following settings: Assisted Living Facility, Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (CORFs), Home Health Agencies, Rehabilitation Settings, Skilled Nursing Facility.
Relias Learning will be transparent in disclosing if any commercial support, sponsorship or co-providership is present prior to the learner completing the course.
Relias Learning has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias Learning will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias Learning at support@reliaslearning.com.
All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.