dysphagia matters

Julia and Jule

dysphagia matters – a podcast about swallowing, swallowing disorders and the latest and greatest, or sometimes not so great, evidence!

  1. EP 50: Beyond the blender – dysphagia made easier with Simone Howells

    23 FEB

    EP 50: Beyond the blender – dysphagia made easier with Simone Howells

    Preparing safe, enjoyable meals for people with dysphagia can be challenging but it does not have to mean sacrificing enjoyment of food, variety, and social connection. How can clinicians and caregivers help ensure meals remain safe and enjoyable? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Simone Howells from Griffith University, Australia, about the second edition of Beyond the Blender: Dysphagia Made Easier; a freely available cookbook featuring 30 recipes organised according to IDDSI Levels 2–6. We discuss: the inspiration behind creating the cookbook how recipes were developed, selected and adapted across IDDSI levels the challenges of modifying everyday meals while maintaining taste, texture, and visual appeal the broader responsibilities of SLTs beyond recommending modified diets practical strategies and resources to better support patients and families

    26 min
  2. EP 49: How to use meta-analyses as a dysphagia clinician with Kendrea Garand

    23 JAN

    EP 49: How to use meta-analyses as a dysphagia clinician with Kendrea Garand

    Meta-analyses are powerful tools, but they can be challenging to interpret. In this episode, we explore how dysphagia clinicians can better understand and critically evaluate meta-analyses to support evidence-informed practice. We are joined by Prof. Kendrea Garand to talk about the article “How to Interpret and Evaluate a Meta-Analysis in the Field of Speech and Language Therapy: A Tutorial for Clinicians.” We discuss: What meta-analyses are and why they matter for dysphagia clinicians How to conduct a meta-analysis How to critically interpret and evaluate a meta-analysis Red flags in pooling studies in meta-analyses Rapid appraisal tips for clinical decision-making Integrating evidence with clinical expertise and patient values

    35 min
  3. EP 48: Health (in)equity in dysphagia care with Raele Loy

    22/12/2025

    EP 48: Health (in)equity in dysphagia care with Raele Loy

    In this episode, we talk to Dr. Raele Loy, a Speech and Language Therapist and research scientist at the Center for Health Disparities Research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We discuss a critical but often overlooked aspect of dysphagia care: health equity, or the lack thereof. Raele discusses what sparked her interest in health equity, and explains what ‘health disparities’ mean in clinical practice and research today. She discusses what is currently known about disparities in dysphagia assessment and management, and presents her conceptual framework which illustrates how disparities emerge and persist throughout the entire eating and swallowing care pathway in people with dementia.

    35 min
  4. EP 47: Understanding Parkinson’s disease with Werner Poewe

    25/11/2025

    EP 47: Understanding Parkinson’s disease with Werner Poewe

    Behind the tremor in Parkinson’s disease lies a complex neurodegenerative process that affects far more than movement. In this conversation, we are joined by Prof. emer. Werner Poewe, neurologist and one of the world’s leading experts in Parkinson’s disease. He unpacks the evolving understanding of Parkinson’s disease, from James Parkinson’s first observations to today’s insights into pathology, prodromal symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. With a special focus on swallowing and dysphagia, we explore what clinicians need to know to support individuals with Parkinson’s disease across all stages of the disease.

    36 min
  5. EP 46: When every second counts – button battery ingestion and dysphagia with Kris Jatana

    31/10/2025

    EP 46: When every second counts – button battery ingestion and dysphagia with Kris Jatana

    Button batteries may be small, but their impact can be devastating. In this episode, we speak with Prof. Kris Jatana about the serious and often hidden dangers of button battery ingestion in children. Found in everyday household items, these small batteries can cause severe injuries to the esophagus and surrounding structures within hours of ingestion. Kris explains what button batteries are, how they cause injury when swallowed, and why quick recognition and management are critical. We discuss the challenges in diagnosing unwitnessed ingestions, the steps parents and caregivers should take in an emergency, and current strategies for acute and long-term management. Helpful resources: Global injury research collaborative (GIRC): www.globalirc.org Sethia et al. (2021). Current management of button battery injuries. https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.535

    33 min
  6. EP 45: Living with dysphagia & ineffective esophageal motility with Adrienne

    29/09/2025

    EP 45: Living with dysphagia & ineffective esophageal motility with Adrienne

    ​​What is it like to live with dysphagia due to ineffective esophageal motility (IEM)? In this episode, Adrienne shares her personal journey: from first noticing symptoms, through the path to diagnosis, and how the condition has evolved over time. We explore the deep impact of IEM on eating, drinking, social life, and quality of life. Adrienne talks about what it is like to have an invisible disease, the struggles of explaining the condition to family and friends, the treatments and strategies she has tried, what has helped, and what remains challenging. To close, she offers thoughtful advice for others newly diagnosed with IEM, as well as important insights for healthcare professionals supporting people with this condition. Literature that we talk about: Kamboj et al. (2024). A practical approach to ineffective esophageal motility. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.14839 Schroeder et al. (2024). Ineffective Esophageal Motility: Current Criteria and Management. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11938-024-00466-0 Tuchman, J. (2022). Dysphagia Naturally: Tips, Tools, and Resources for Patients with Swallowing Disorders.

    30 min
  7. EP 44: Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry-Impedence with Taher Omari

    25/08/2025

    EP 44: Pharyngeal High-Resolution Manometry-Impedence with Taher Omari

    Prof. Taher Omari, Physiologist, Principal Research Fellow and lead of the Swallowing Research Group at Flinders University in Adelaide (Australia) joins us to share insights on the new Leuven Consensus. This research project sets out recommendations for pharyngeal and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) disorders using high-resolution manometry with impedance (P-HRM-I). Taher explains: the principles of P-HRM-I how the consensus was developed the diagnostic procedure when using P-HRM-I what it means for advancing clinical practice and research in dysphagia Literature that we talk about: Omari et al. (2011). A Method to Objectively Assess Swallow Function in Adults With Suspected Aspiration. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2011.02.051 Omari et al. (2025). Defining Pharyngeal and Upper Esophageal Sphincter Disorders on High‐Resolution Manometry‐Impedance: The Leuven Consensus. https://doi.org/10.1111/nmo.70042

    40 min
  8. EP 43: Medication intake for people with dysphagia with Kathryn Steadman

    30/06/2025

    EP 43: Medication intake for people with dysphagia with Kathryn Steadman

    In this episode, we’re joined by Prof. Kathryn Steadman, who gave an excellent presentation at last year’s European Society for Swallowing Disorders conference in Münster, Germany. Her talk explored the question: Does swallowing tablets with an IDDSI Level 4 gel impact drug absorption? Because this topic isn’t discussed much – and Kathryn brings a lot of expertise as a pharmacist – we’re happy to have her with us to talk about safe and effective medication intake for people with dysphagia. Topics we discuss: the role of swallowing gels in medication administration dysphagia as a potential side effect of medication the pros and cons of crushing tablets or pills what the future might hold for medication strategies in dysphagia care Links & Literature: Malouh et al. (2025). Does using oral medication lubricants to swallow whole or crushed tablets alter drug absorption in vivo? A randomised, single-dose crossover bioequivalence study in healthy adults. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2024.106552 Don’t Rush to Crush – Advanced Pharmacy Australia

    34 min
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About

dysphagia matters – a podcast about swallowing, swallowing disorders and the latest and greatest, or sometimes not so great, evidence!

Information

  • Creator
    Julia and Jule
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    51
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    dysphagia matters

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