Preserving the Voice of Patients with ALS: A Systematic Review
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Communication Disorders
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Stephanie Schaaf, EdD, CCC-SLP
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Through thorough examination of the research, this study sought to understand and describe progressions in the field of speech-language pathology in the ability to preserve the voice of an individual with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Individuals with ALS face a scary reality; as their body degenerates and weakens, so does their voice. This thesis is a systematic review of the current research regarding the role of the speech-language pathologist in diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders throughout the progression of ALS. Specifically, innovative and emergent therapy services including voice banking are investigated along with the criteria of conditions that patients have to meet before therapeutic services can be provided by a speech-language pathologist. A description of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is provided along with the impacts the disease has on communication abilities. The role of a speech-language pathologist in evaluation and treatment of individuals with ALS is investigated. This study identifies the need for further investigation into voice banking and the barriers to client success or access to therapy services.
Start Date
12-11-2018 11:00 AM
Fall Scholars Week 2018 Event
Communication Disorders Panel
Preserving the Voice of Patients with ALS: A Systematic Review
Through thorough examination of the research, this study sought to understand and describe progressions in the field of speech-language pathology in the ability to preserve the voice of an individual with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Individuals with ALS face a scary reality; as their body degenerates and weakens, so does their voice. This thesis is a systematic review of the current research regarding the role of the speech-language pathologist in diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders throughout the progression of ALS. Specifically, innovative and emergent therapy services including voice banking are investigated along with the criteria of conditions that patients have to meet before therapeutic services can be provided by a speech-language pathologist. A description of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is provided along with the impacts the disease has on communication abilities. The role of a speech-language pathologist in evaluation and treatment of individuals with ALS is investigated. This study identifies the need for further investigation into voice banking and the barriers to client success or access to therapy services.