ASHA Learning Pass

Neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxias represent a heterogeneous group of disabling, progressive disorders with impairments in motor and cognitive domains. Rehabilitation services are the mainstay treatment to manage dysarthria and cognitive/language impairments, but research has shown that referrals to address these deficits are inconsistent. Also, ataxia-specific expertise in allied health care is limited, and management guidelines are lacking. There is an urgent need to find innovative therapeutic approaches to reduce clinical symptoms and improve outcomes in this population. This presentation addresses the underlying neuropathology of ataxia, dysarthria-specific assessment and treatment for degenerative ataxias, and the importance of cognitive assessment and treatment. The presenter highlights recent advances in intervention, including noninvasive brain stimulation.

This course is a recorded session from the 2022 ASHA Convention Virtual Library (session 5025V).

Related Courses

See more sessions from the 2022 ASHA Convention.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• Explain the role of the cerebellar control system in ataxic dysarthria
• Discuss the importance of dysarthria-specific assessment and treatment for neurodegenerative ataxia
• List three studies that have shown promising results in ataxic dysarthria with speech therapy

Presenter Information

Sarah Cust, MSc-SLP, SLP(C), CCC-SLP (presenting author), has been a clinical adult acute-care/medical SLP since 2012, with a primary focus on motor-speech and dysphagia in medicine/neuro populations, in addition to dysphagia and pulmonary rehabilitation in ICU/CCU/PCU including tracheostomy management. Cust is MBSImP certified as well as FEES and in-line PMSV competent. Cust has experience with pediatric swallowing/feeding and pediatric and adult neurorehabilitation. Cust is Canadian-trained and has lived/worked in Canada, Ireland, and the U.S. Cust's interests now include research on aphasia and motor-speech rehabilitation in addition to adult acute and rehab services.

Financial Disclosures:

• Part-time salary employment from Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine
• Salary support from NIH NIDCD grants

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Nigel Harrison, MBBCh (nonpresenting author), is a clinical and research fellow in movement disorders at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His interests include improving the care for patients with neurodegenerative disorders and invasive and noninvasive neuromodulation. He provided expertise on the clinical management of progressive ataxic disorders.

Financial Disclosures:

• Salaried clinical research fellow in neurology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Donna C. Tippett, MPH, MA, CCC-SLP (nonpresenting author), is an associate professor in the Departments of Neurology, Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She serves as a consultant to the Johns Hopkins Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Clinic. Ms. Tippett has published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional meetings, highlighting the innovative programs she has developed in management of individuals with communication and swallowing impairments.

Financial Disclosures:

• Salaried faculty member at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Grant support from NIH NIDCD

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• Editorial board member of Frontiers in Neurology
• Member of International Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery Alliance (ISRRA)
• Member of Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists (CATs)
• Faculty reviewer for F1000Prime, Neurological Disorders

Ji Hyun Kim, BA (nonpresenting author), is a research assistant in the Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Department at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Financial Disclosures:

• Salaried employee at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Salary support from NIH NIDCD grant and Johns Hopkins University COVID-19 Bridge Grant

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Rajani Sebastian, PhD, CCC-SLP (nonpresenting author), is an assistant professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Financial Disclosures:

• Salaried faculty member at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Salary support from NIH NIDCD grants

Nonfinancial Disclosures:

• None

Assessment Type

Self-assessment—Think about what you learned and report on the Completion Form how you will use your new knowledge.

To earn continuing education credit, you must complete the learning assessment by the end date below.

Program History and CE Information

Content origination date: November 2022
End date: March 27, 2029

This course is offered for 0.05 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate level, Professional area).