Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
@kwsaar.bsky.social
Assistant Professor of Speech-Language Pathology | qualitative research | social participation | communication access | scholarship of teaching and learning #SoTL | communication in #dementia care | #cog-comm | #inclusion | #boardgames, books, & brewing
Pinned
Excited to share our latest article!
We examined #SLP2b student experiences of a #StudyAbroad class focused on #dementia inclusive programs & the role of #SLPeeps in #dementia care.
interpretive #phenomenological analysis
#inclusion #cog-comm
doi.org/10.1044/2025...
w/ @learrington.bsky.social
We examined #SLP2b student experiences of a #StudyAbroad class focused on #dementia inclusive programs & the role of #SLPeeps in #dementia care.
interpretive #phenomenological analysis
#inclusion #cog-comm
doi.org/10.1044/2025...
w/ @learrington.bsky.social
Authors synthesize research on informal learning in health profession education. They ID a range of informal learning opportunities, situate these theoretically, & identify enablers & threats faculty can be intentional about addressing.
Great read for CSD faculty #SLPeeps #SoTLsky #MedEd #HigherEd
Great read for CSD faculty #SLPeeps #SoTLsky #MedEd #HigherEd
Students’ informal learning interactions in health professions education: insights from a qualitative synthesis
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
Students’ informal learning interactions in health professions education: insights from a qualitative synthesis1
Despite being recognised as complementary to formal learning, informal learning is not yet well understood. Using a qualitative synthesis approach, we systematically reviewed how students’ informal...
www.tandfonline.com
November 9, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders is now Qualitative Research in Communication Differences and Disorders (QRCDD). QRCDD aims to expand both #qualitative methodologies utilized & definitions of communication disorder & difference beyond traditional diagnostic labels. 1/2
Qualitative Research in Communication Differences and Disorders Home | University of Toronto Press
Welcome to Qualitative Research in Communication Differences and Disorders, published by University of Toronto Press. Access peer-reviewed articles online and find essential information about this hig...
utppublishing.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Journal of Interactional Research in Communication Disorders is now Qualitative Research in Communication Differences and Disorders (QRCDD). QRCDD aims to expand both #qualitative methodologies utilized & definitions of communication disorder & difference beyond traditional diagnostic labels. 1/2
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
Understanding how people with aphasia use information and communication technology (e.g., smartphones, social media platforms) to stay connected is critical to developing components of clinical interventions focused on social relationships.
on.asha.org/3JfJAmm #SLPeeps
on.asha.org/3JfJAmm #SLPeeps
Using Digital Technology to Stay Connected With Friends After Aphasia
Purpose: Digital domains are becoming increasingly important in creating and sustaining relationships. The purpose of this study was to understan...
on.asha.org
August 12, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Understanding how people with aphasia use information and communication technology (e.g., smartphones, social media platforms) to stay connected is critical to developing components of clinical interventions focused on social relationships.
on.asha.org/3JfJAmm #SLPeeps
on.asha.org/3JfJAmm #SLPeeps
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
We have progressed from data collection to data analysis.
November 1, 2025 at 12:31 AM
We have progressed from data collection to data analysis.
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
COVID-19 infection associated with increased risk of new-onset vascular dementia in adults ≥50 years nature.com/articles/s44...
#COVID #coronavirus #dementia #health
#COVID #coronavirus #dementia #health
COVID-19 infection associated with increased risk of new-onset vascular dementia in adults ≥50 years - npj Dementia
npj Dementia - COVID-19 infection associated with increased risk of new-onset vascular dementia in adults ≥50 years
nature.com
October 7, 2025 at 12:08 AM
COVID-19 infection associated with increased risk of new-onset vascular dementia in adults ≥50 years nature.com/articles/s44...
#COVID #coronavirus #dementia #health
#COVID #coronavirus #dementia #health
My university is hiring an associate dean of #research for the college of #nursing and #health professions.
#academicsky
#academicsky
Careers at Lamar University | .
www.schooljobs.com
October 4, 2025 at 4:07 PM
My university is hiring an associate dean of #research for the college of #nursing and #health professions.
#academicsky
#academicsky
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
#Alzheimer disease is more common in women than men.
Often attributed to the fact that women tend to live longer, research shows the sex gap likely stems from a complex mix of biological and sociocultural factors.
ja.ma/4nMfLc1
Often attributed to the fact that women tend to live longer, research shows the sex gap likely stems from a complex mix of biological and sociocultural factors.
ja.ma/4nMfLc1
Why Is Alzheimer Disease More Common in Women?
This Medical News article discusses the biological and sociocultural factors that may contribute to sex-based differences in Alzheimer disease prevalence and progression.
ja.ma
September 26, 2025 at 3:41 PM
#Alzheimer disease is more common in women than men.
Often attributed to the fact that women tend to live longer, research shows the sex gap likely stems from a complex mix of biological and sociocultural factors.
ja.ma/4nMfLc1
Often attributed to the fact that women tend to live longer, research shows the sex gap likely stems from a complex mix of biological and sociocultural factors.
ja.ma/4nMfLc1
“The report’s main point is surprisingly simple: people living with #dementia can still set goals, learn strategies, and adapt their lives with the right support … #rehabilitation is about focusing on what a person can still do and helping them do it for as long as possible.”
#slpeeps #cog-comm
#slpeeps #cog-comm
Today World Alzheimer’s Day 2025 is about #askboutdementia, so I wanted to share my thoughts on the new World Alzheimer Report 2025 about Rehabilitation.
Why it matters for caregivers & the questions we should be asking.
#dementia #caregivers
Why it matters for caregivers & the questions we should be asking.
#dementia #caregivers
World Alzheimer’s Day 2025: Why Dementia Rehabilitation Matters for Caregivers. - DementiaWho!
On World Alzheimer’s Day 2025, I reflect on the World Alzheimer Report and why dementia rehabilitation matters for caregivers and loved ones.
buff.ly
September 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
“The report’s main point is surprisingly simple: people living with #dementia can still set goals, learn strategies, and adapt their lives with the right support … #rehabilitation is about focusing on what a person can still do and helping them do it for as long as possible.”
#slpeeps #cog-comm
#slpeeps #cog-comm
ReImagining Dementia's 'Taking it to the Streets' campaign starts soon!
Sept 21 - Oct 21
@reimaginedementia.bsky.social
Learn more, join the coalition, & get involved here:
www.reimaginingdementia.com/takingstreets
#dementia #joy #shatteringthesilence #reimaginingdementia #RDCtakingittothestreets
Sept 21 - Oct 21
@reimaginedementia.bsky.social
Learn more, join the coalition, & get involved here:
www.reimaginingdementia.com/takingstreets
#dementia #joy #shatteringthesilence #reimaginingdementia #RDCtakingittothestreets
Taking It to the Streets — Reimagining Dementia
www.reimaginingdementia.com
September 18, 2025 at 4:25 PM
ReImagining Dementia's 'Taking it to the Streets' campaign starts soon!
Sept 21 - Oct 21
@reimaginedementia.bsky.social
Learn more, join the coalition, & get involved here:
www.reimaginingdementia.com/takingstreets
#dementia #joy #shatteringthesilence #reimaginingdementia #RDCtakingittothestreets
Sept 21 - Oct 21
@reimaginedementia.bsky.social
Learn more, join the coalition, & get involved here:
www.reimaginingdementia.com/takingstreets
#dementia #joy #shatteringthesilence #reimaginingdementia #RDCtakingittothestreets
In this study of 13,592 participants-childhood loneliness was associated with cognitive decline & risk of #dementia in adulthood, even in the absence of adult loneliness.
There is a need for interventions for childhood loneliness to promote cognitive health across the lifespan. #slpeeps #prevention
There is a need for interventions for childhood loneliness to promote cognitive health across the lifespan. #slpeeps #prevention
Childhood Loneliness and Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk in Adulthood jamanetwork.com/journals/jam...
#Alzheimers #dementia #loneliness #mentalhealth #neuroscience #NeuroSkyence
#Alzheimers #dementia #loneliness #mentalhealth #neuroscience #NeuroSkyence
Childhood Loneliness and Cognitive Decline and Dementia Risk in Adulthood
This cohort study examines whether childhood loneliness is associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk in midlife and older age and whether adult loneliness mediates or modifies these associat...
jamanetwork.com
September 13, 2025 at 10:11 PM
In this study of 13,592 participants-childhood loneliness was associated with cognitive decline & risk of #dementia in adulthood, even in the absence of adult loneliness.
There is a need for interventions for childhood loneliness to promote cognitive health across the lifespan. #slpeeps #prevention
There is a need for interventions for childhood loneliness to promote cognitive health across the lifespan. #slpeeps #prevention
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
“Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texas A&M to fire the professor seen in the video because they acted “contrary to Texas law,” although he did not say which law the professor had violated.”
Could that be because the prof didn’t violate any TX (or federal) law? 🤔
“Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texas A&M to fire the professor seen in the video because they acted “contrary to Texas law,” although he did not say which law the professor had violated.”
Could that be because the prof didn’t violate any TX (or federal) law? 🤔
Texas A&M University System orders audit of courses at all 12 universities
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents ordered an audit of courses at the system's 12 schools amid backlash over a professor’s gender identity lesson.
www.houstonchronicle.com
September 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston...
“Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texas A&M to fire the professor seen in the video because they acted “contrary to Texas law,” although he did not say which law the professor had violated.”
Could that be because the prof didn’t violate any TX (or federal) law? 🤔
“Gov. Greg Abbott urged Texas A&M to fire the professor seen in the video because they acted “contrary to Texas law,” although he did not say which law the professor had violated.”
Could that be because the prof didn’t violate any TX (or federal) law? 🤔
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
Ohio State Bans Land Acknowledgments
The new policy is one of several in response to a state law that aims to eliminate any mention of diversity, equity and inclusion at public universities. https://bit.ly/3HRi26H
#AcademicSky #HigherEd #EDUSky
The new policy is one of several in response to a state law that aims to eliminate any mention of diversity, equity and inclusion at public universities. https://bit.ly/3HRi26H
#AcademicSky #HigherEd #EDUSky
September 3, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Ohio State Bans Land Acknowledgments
The new policy is one of several in response to a state law that aims to eliminate any mention of diversity, equity and inclusion at public universities. https://bit.ly/3HRi26H
#AcademicSky #HigherEd #EDUSky
The new policy is one of several in response to a state law that aims to eliminate any mention of diversity, equity and inclusion at public universities. https://bit.ly/3HRi26H
#AcademicSky #HigherEd #EDUSky
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
“Let’s begin by saying that we are living through a very dangerous time.” So opens “A Talk to Teachers,” which James Baldwin delivered to a group of educators in October, 1963.
James Baldwin’s Lesson for Teachers in a Time of Turmoil
Rigorous lessons are not mutually exclusive from culturally and politically relevant ones.
www.newyorker.com
August 31, 2025 at 2:52 PM
“Let’s begin by saying that we are living through a very dangerous time.” So opens “A Talk to Teachers,” which James Baldwin delivered to a group of educators in October, 1963.
Results provide evidence that hearing loss in middle-aged and older adults:
⬆️ risk of social isolation &
⬇️ social participation
This emphasizes the importance of hearing-related services aimed at supporting social engagement for this population.
#gerontology #audiology #slpeeps #aging
⬆️ risk of social isolation &
⬇️ social participation
This emphasizes the importance of hearing-related services aimed at supporting social engagement for this population.
#gerontology #audiology #slpeeps #aging
Association Between Hearing Loss and Social Integration Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://on.asha.org/4mNH71t
@CSDisseminate #JSLHR @SIGPerspectives
@CSDisseminate #JSLHR @SIGPerspectives
Association Between Hearing Loss and Social Integration Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Purpose: This meta-analysis aimed to examine the association between hearing loss and social integration as well as the effectiveness of audiolog...
on.asha.org
August 30, 2025 at 1:58 PM
Results provide evidence that hearing loss in middle-aged and older adults:
⬆️ risk of social isolation &
⬇️ social participation
This emphasizes the importance of hearing-related services aimed at supporting social engagement for this population.
#gerontology #audiology #slpeeps #aging
⬆️ risk of social isolation &
⬇️ social participation
This emphasizes the importance of hearing-related services aimed at supporting social engagement for this population.
#gerontology #audiology #slpeeps #aging
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
In a study by Schafer et al., older adults achieved significantly improved cognitive performance, self-reported hearing difficulties, and noise acceptance after 2 and 4 months of hearing aid use.
https://on.asha.org/4oPfRks #aud2b #audpeeps
https://on.asha.org/4oPfRks #aud2b #audpeeps
Impact of Short-Term Hearing Aid Use on Cognitive Performance, Noise Acceptance, and Self-Perceived Benefit
Purpose: Given emerging evidence suggesting a correlation between hearing and cognitive performance, hearing loss may be a modifiable risk factor...
on.asha.org
August 22, 2025 at 9:01 PM
In a study by Schafer et al., older adults achieved significantly improved cognitive performance, self-reported hearing difficulties, and noise acceptance after 2 and 4 months of hearing aid use.
https://on.asha.org/4oPfRks #aud2b #audpeeps
https://on.asha.org/4oPfRks #aud2b #audpeeps
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
New special issue! Accessibility & inclusion in qualitative research are essential for ethical, impactful outcomes. This collection edited by Wayland and Watharow explores power, intersectionality & practical strategies to centre diverse voices. - Sarah Wayland
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
doi.org
August 20, 2025 at 8:01 PM
New special issue! Accessibility & inclusion in qualitative research are essential for ethical, impactful outcomes. This collection edited by Wayland and Watharow explores power, intersectionality & practical strategies to centre diverse voices. - Sarah Wayland
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
So pleased to see this published in LSHSS! Huge thanks to
@natmunro.bsky.social, Mel Keep, @juliastarling.bsky.social, and Lyn Tieu. on.asha.org/4fCwdJj #SLPeeps #DevLangDis
@natmunro.bsky.social, Mel Keep, @juliastarling.bsky.social, and Lyn Tieu. on.asha.org/4fCwdJj #SLPeeps #DevLangDis
August 15, 2025 at 9:25 PM
So pleased to see this published in LSHSS! Huge thanks to
@natmunro.bsky.social, Mel Keep, @juliastarling.bsky.social, and Lyn Tieu. on.asha.org/4fCwdJj #SLPeeps #DevLangDis
@natmunro.bsky.social, Mel Keep, @juliastarling.bsky.social, and Lyn Tieu. on.asha.org/4fCwdJj #SLPeeps #DevLangDis
Excited to share our latest article!
We examined #SLP2b student experiences of a #StudyAbroad class focused on #dementia inclusive programs & the role of #SLPeeps in #dementia care.
interpretive #phenomenological analysis
#inclusion #cog-comm
doi.org/10.1044/2025...
w/ @learrington.bsky.social
We examined #SLP2b student experiences of a #StudyAbroad class focused on #dementia inclusive programs & the role of #SLPeeps in #dementia care.
interpretive #phenomenological analysis
#inclusion #cog-comm
doi.org/10.1044/2025...
w/ @learrington.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 5:08 AM
Excited to share our latest article!
We examined #SLP2b student experiences of a #StudyAbroad class focused on #dementia inclusive programs & the role of #SLPeeps in #dementia care.
interpretive #phenomenological analysis
#inclusion #cog-comm
doi.org/10.1044/2025...
w/ @learrington.bsky.social
We examined #SLP2b student experiences of a #StudyAbroad class focused on #dementia inclusive programs & the role of #SLPeeps in #dementia care.
interpretive #phenomenological analysis
#inclusion #cog-comm
doi.org/10.1044/2025...
w/ @learrington.bsky.social
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
Women with Down syndrome may develop Alzheimer's disease more rapidly than men news.uci.edu/2025/08/12/w... by @ucirvine.bsky.social
#Alzheimers #dementia #DownSyndrome #WomensHealth @elizabethhead.bsky.social
#Alzheimers #dementia #DownSyndrome #WomensHealth @elizabethhead.bsky.social
Women with Down syndrome may develop Alzheimer's disease more rapidly than men
UC Irvine study finds sex differences may impact treatment approaches
news.uci.edu
August 13, 2025 at 11:39 PM
Women with Down syndrome may develop Alzheimer's disease more rapidly than men news.uci.edu/2025/08/12/w... by @ucirvine.bsky.social
#Alzheimers #dementia #DownSyndrome #WomensHealth @elizabethhead.bsky.social
#Alzheimers #dementia #DownSyndrome #WomensHealth @elizabethhead.bsky.social
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
🆓🔓 Hello, 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES; you'll 💝 LOVE 💝 this #openaccess article! A good understanding of children's communicative capacity underpins provision of interdisciplinary support for children with speech, language, and communication needs ( #SLCN). #childspeechdis #devlangdis #stuttering #stammering
Children Draw Talking: Look at what we can learn from this open access article about 200 children from 24 countries who drew themselves talking
@ashajournals.bsky.social @carolinebowen.bsky.social
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
@ashajournals.bsky.social @carolinebowen.bsky.social
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
Children Draw Talking Around the World
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine how children from across the
world draw themselves talking and to apply an interdisciplinary a...
pubs.asha.org
August 14, 2025 at 7:46 AM
🆓🔓 Hello, 🦋 #bskySPEECHIES; you'll 💝 LOVE 💝 this #openaccess article! A good understanding of children's communicative capacity underpins provision of interdisciplinary support for children with speech, language, and communication needs ( #SLCN). #childspeechdis #devlangdis #stuttering #stammering
#SLPeeps - CSD student participants discussed:
❎change associated with #StudyAbroad experiences
❎the ➕ & ➖ impact of social learning
❎personal & professional growth
❎development of clinical perspectives
#HigherED #SoTL #qualitative
w / @learrington.bsky.social
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
❎change associated with #StudyAbroad experiences
❎the ➕ & ➖ impact of social learning
❎personal & professional growth
❎development of clinical perspectives
#HigherED #SoTL #qualitative
w / @learrington.bsky.social
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
“We Thought About It in a Different Way”: A Phenomenological Investigation of Student Study-Abroad Experiences
Background: This study investigated experiential phenomena associated with participation
in short-term study abroad (SA) that was embedded within...
pubs.asha.org
August 13, 2025 at 7:23 PM
#SLPeeps - CSD student participants discussed:
❎change associated with #StudyAbroad experiences
❎the ➕ & ➖ impact of social learning
❎personal & professional growth
❎development of clinical perspectives
#HigherED #SoTL #qualitative
w / @learrington.bsky.social
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
❎change associated with #StudyAbroad experiences
❎the ➕ & ➖ impact of social learning
❎personal & professional growth
❎development of clinical perspectives
#HigherED #SoTL #qualitative
w / @learrington.bsky.social
pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/...
Clinical supervisors & new CFs - "This tutorial presents the guidelines, processes, and expectations of the CF in accordance with the CFCC Standard VII ... with potential areas of confusion clarified and interpreted."
#SLPeeps #CF-SLP
#SLPeeps #CF-SLP
This #SIG11 tutorial presents the guidelines, processes, and expectations of the clinical fellowship in accordance with the CFCC Standard VII in an integrated format, with potential areas of confusion clarified and interpreted. on.asha.org/3UXegvj #SLPeeps #SLP2Be
Tutorial: A Guide to Getting Started With the Clinical Fellowship Experience
Purpose: The clinical fellowship (CF) experience is a pivotal time for speech-language
pathologists as it marks the transition from being a stude...
on.asha.org
August 13, 2025 at 1:20 AM
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
White House to lead review of some Smithsonian museums reut.rs/45dgjBw
White House to lead review of some Smithsonian museums
The White House said on Tuesday it will lead an internal review of some Smithsonian museums and exhibitions ahead of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, after President Donald Trump earlier this year accused the institution of spreading "anti-American ideology" and raised alarm among civil rights advocates.
reut.rs
August 12, 2025 at 9:25 PM
White House to lead review of some Smithsonian museums reut.rs/45dgjBw
TSUS dissolves faculty senates
“Faculty senates have long helped guide academic policy and served as a key channel for faculty to share concerns with university administrators. Velasco said dissolving them…could lead to a loss in institutional memory & weaken oversight.”
#HigherEd
“Faculty senates have long helped guide academic policy and served as a key channel for faculty to share concerns with university administrators. Velasco said dissolving them…could lead to a loss in institutional memory & weaken oversight.”
#HigherEd
Texas State System dissolves faculty senates, eroding professors' influence on campuses
While other universities move to preserve the advisory bodies, Texas State will abolish them under a new state law that curtails faculty’s influence on campuses.
www.texastribune.org
August 9, 2025 at 3:56 AM
TSUS dissolves faculty senates
“Faculty senates have long helped guide academic policy and served as a key channel for faculty to share concerns with university administrators. Velasco said dissolving them…could lead to a loss in institutional memory & weaken oversight.”
#HigherEd
“Faculty senates have long helped guide academic policy and served as a key channel for faculty to share concerns with university administrators. Velasco said dissolving them…could lead to a loss in institutional memory & weaken oversight.”
#HigherEd
Reposted by Karen Whisenhunt Saar (she/her)
Cognitive stimulation therapy can help delay or minimize cognitive deficits in older adults while also improving depression. Learn more about the role of SLPs on the cognitive stimulation therapy team in the latest from #ASHASIG15 pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/... #SLPeeps #SLP2Be
Cognitive Stimulation Program in Assisted Living Settings: Important Considerations and Findings From a 5-Week Program
Purpose: With the growth of the geriatric population, more people may develop either
mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia later in life wo...
on.asha.org
August 4, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Cognitive stimulation therapy can help delay or minimize cognitive deficits in older adults while also improving depression. Learn more about the role of SLPs on the cognitive stimulation therapy team in the latest from #ASHASIG15 pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/... #SLPeeps #SLP2Be