Episode #49 - Primary Progressive Aphasia: A Collaborative Approach to Remaining Engaged in Life, A Conversation with Wayne Zorn, CeCelia Zorn, and Tania Riske

During this episode, Jerry Hoepner, a faculty member in the department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, speaks with Wayne Zorn, CeCelia Zorn, and their speech-language pathologist Tania Riske, about primary progressive aphasia. They also discuss the trio’s article, “Three Voices at the Table.” Wayne Zorn is a man of many dimensions. As others discover who he is, they find a person with a giving heart, a curious, precise, and engineering mind, and a fun-loving soul. CeCelia and Wayne met in high school in rural northeastern Wisconsin. Married for 45 years, CeCelia brings a threefold background to our discussion about PPA. CeCelia strives for a life enriched by kindness, joy, perseverance, curiosity, patience, and collaboration. Tania Riske is a speech-language pathologist at Mayo Health Systems – Eau Claire. She initially entered the speech language pathology field through her volunteer work with the Chippewa Valley Aphasia Group and graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire Communication Sciences and Disorders Program. Tania continues to enjoy treating patients with aphasia and their families within the LPAA Paradigm. In this episode you will: Learn about living successfully with primary progressive aphasia (PPA) from an individual with PPA, his partner, and their speech-language pathologist. Learn about examples of participating in personally relevant activities like singing, travel, and golfing – along with what it takes for this to happen through collaborations between an individual with PPA, his partner, and their speech-language pathologist. Learn about following the lead of the individual with PPA and his partner as context and vehicle for authentic, person-focused interventions. Learn how this trio implemented collaborative interventions and authentic steps they took in that process. Learn about how to engage community partners in meaningful, participation-based collaborations. Learn about the challenges this couple has encountered and the positive way they have addressed those challenges. Download the Full Show Notes