Colleen M. Karow

Dr. Karow conducts research and program development in two areas of medical speech language pathology, cognitive-linguistic disorders and dysphagia. Her research, at The Center for Cognitive Wellness and Neurologic Communication Disorders, has led to the development of, “Brain Aerobics for Seniors”. This clinical program was designed to improve cognitive fitness in adults who are aging normally and those with Mild Cognitive Impairment. Cognitive fitness training is provided in a 10-week program where participants engage in stimulation tasks across the domains of cognition including:  Memory, Attention Span & Processing Speed, Executive Function, Visual Spatial Skills, and Language. The research is also examining the benefits of educational programs designed to enhance participants’ understanding of how to maintain or improve their cognitive wellness. At the Center, Dr. Karow is also developing assessment and treatment paradigms for improving problem solving skills and is investigating the effects of web-interfaced stimulation programs for patients with neurological damage.

Dr. Karow has a lab at The Anderson Voice & Swallowing Center, where she conducts research with Dr. Mary Es Beaver, MD, FACS to develop new diagnostic techniques and treatments for patients with dysphagia and laryngeal disorders.  At the Anderson Center both masters and PhD students in Speech Language Pathology are engaged in research and clinical training. Drs. Karow & Beaver most recently completed study investigated the difference between peripheral and central sensory processing disorders in stroke patients with normal laryngeal adductor reflex using endoscopy with sensory testing.