the nexa journal

Valentine’s Day can highlight how communication challenges affect connection. This post explores compassionate, practical ways families and partners can stay connected when speech or language becomes harder—focusing on presence, patience, and communication beyond words.

Communication changes are often one of the first challenges families notice when a loved one has a cognitive-communication disorder. Conditions such as dementia, stroke, and brain injury can affect memory, attention, and language, making everyday conversations more difficult. This post shares practical, evidence-based strategies families can use to support communication, reduce frustration, and preserve dignity and connection at home.

Many people are told they need a swallow study without fully understanding what that means. Two common tests—Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) and FEES (Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing)—both evaluate swallowing safety but use very different methods. Understanding the key differences between FEES and MBSS can help patients, caregivers, and providers choose the most appropriate test for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.

The start of a new year brings renewed focus and structure, making January an ideal time to begin speech therapy. After the holidays, routines stabilize and families are better able to address concerns such as communication changes, swallowing difficulty, or cognitive challenges. Starting therapy early in the year supports consistent care, clearer goal setting, and meaningful progress that fits real life.

The holiday season brings families together for longer stretches, often revealing subtle swallowing and communication changes that may go unnoticed during brief visits. Shared meals, lively conversations, and disrupted routines can highlight early dysphagia and speech therapy red flags in adults, such as coughing during meals, longer eating times, or withdrawal from conversation. Recognizing these signs during festive gatherings can help families support safety, comfort, and