Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s Disease and Communication
Parkinson’s can impair communication. People with Parkinson's may feel they are speaking normally, but others may have a hard time hearing them. Facial muscles also weaken resulting in less facial expressions that can be misinterpreted. All of this can lead to social isolation withdrawal from favorite activities diminishing quality of life and independence
Instrumental SLP is proud to offer both Speak Out and LSVT LOUD online
Speak Out ®
Parkinson Voice Project has developed a unique speech treatment to help patients regain and retain their speech and communication while minimizing swallowing issues. The organization offers this program to patients throughout Texas from its clinic and is teaching the protocol to speech-language pathologists worldwide through its online SPEAK OUT! Training Course.
SPEAK OUT! is based on principles of motor learning and teachings of Daniel R. Boone, PhD, CCC-SLP. Patients learn to convert speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.
SPEAK OUT! combines education for the patient and family, individual speech therapy, daily home practice using workbooks, flashcards, and online practice sessions, weekly speech and singing groups, and regular re-evaluations.
LSVT LOUD®
LSVT LOUD is an intensive, one-on-one treatment delivered over one month’s time. LSVT LOUD is an effective speech treatment for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) and other neurological conditions.
Named for Mrs. Lee Silverman (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment), a woman living with PD, it was developed by Dr. Lorraine Ramig and has been scientifically studied for over 25 years with support from the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders within the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other funding organizations.
LSVT LOUD trains people with PD to use their voice at a more normal loudness level while speaking at home, work, or in the community. Key to the treatment is helping people "recalibrate" their perceptions so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a normal loudness level.
Parkinson's Disease and
Swallowing
Swallowing is also affected by Parkinson's disease. Swallow muscles become weak, sensation can be reduced, the ability to cough can be weakened, and aspiration can happen. Aspiration is when food or liquid goes into your airway.
This can lead to choking and pneumonia.
Speech Language Pathologists can train you on exercises to help keep you swallowing safely and protect your lungs.
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One thing I tell literally ALL of my clients is this-
KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLEAN
Why do I tell my clients this?
All of us aspirate, but it doesn't make everyone sick.
This is because of a variety of factors like overall health and respiratory status, but one of the biggest ways to avoid getting sick from aspiration is to have a clean mouth.
This means brushing your teeth well 2x each day.
Your speech therapist might even recommend more.
Contact Us Today for More Information About Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Looking for More Information?
Welcome to Instrumental SLP, a specialized boutique speech therapy private practice dedicated to working with adults with aphasia, apraxia, and swallowing disorders, particularly those who have had strokes, brain injuries, or neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's. If you or your loved one is living with Parkinson's disease, our expert team is here to provide comprehensive support and help you navigate the communication challenges associated with this condition. At Instrumental SLP, we understand that Parkinson's disease affects more than just movement. Communication difficulties, such as reduced speech intelligibility, voice changes, and language impairments, can also significantly impact a person's quality of life. Our tailored therapy programs are designed to address these specific challenges and empower individuals with Parkinson's to communicate effectively and confidently, even in the early stages of the disease. Our approach to working with individuals with Parkinson's disease is rooted in compassion, expertise, and evidence-based practice. Here's how we can help: Early intervention: We believe in the power of early intervention. Our therapists are experienced in identifying and addressing communication difficulties in the early stages of Parkinson's disease. By starting therapy early, we can implement strategies to manage symptoms, preserve speech and language abilities, and maintain optimal communication function as the disease progresses. Individualized treatment plans: We recognize that each person with Parkinson's experiences a unique set of communication challenges. Our highly skilled therapists conduct thorough assessments to understand your specific needs, strengths, and areas for improvement. Based on these assessments, we develop personalized treatment plans that target your individual goals and focus on enhancing your communication abilities. Voice and speech therapy: Parkinson's disease often affects the voice and speech production, resulting in reduced volume, vocal quality changes, and articulation difficulties. Our therapists utilize evidence-based techniques, such as Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®) and respiratory retraining exercises, to help strengthen vocal muscles, improve speech clarity, and restore natural speech patterns. Language and cognitive therapy: Parkinson's disease can also impact language skills and cognitive function. Our therapists employ specialized techniques to address word retrieval difficulties, enhance expressive and receptive language abilities, and improve cognitive-linguistic skills, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. Swallowing therapy: Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulties, can be a common challenge for individuals with Parkinson's disease. Our therapists are trained in dysphagia management and can provide targeted therapy to improve swallowing function, reduce the risk of aspiration, and ensure safe and enjoyable eating and drinking experiences. Find out more about our swallowing therapy here: https://www.islppro.com/swallow-rehab We understand the importance of a boutique approach to therapy. At Instrumental SLP, we provide individualized attention and create a supportive and welcoming environment for our clients. We believe in empowering individuals with Parkinson's to actively participate in their therapy, promoting greater engagement and better outcomes. If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, it's never too early to start addressing communication challenges. Contact us today at Instrumental SLP to learn more about how our specialized therapy programs can help improve your communication abilities and enhance your overall quality of life. Together, we can navigate the impact of Parkinson's disease and enable you to communicate with confidence and independence.