ONLINE SPEECH THERAPY
Parkinson's Speech Therapy
Convenient & Effective Speech Therapy
PARKINSON'S SPEECH THERAPY
What Parkinson's speech signs and symptoms to look out for?
Parkinson’s disease can show up in various ways, affecting both physical and cognitive aspects of life. Here’s a rundown of common symptoms:
Physical Symptoms:
- Coughing or choking while eating or drinking.
- Trouble speaking clearly, especially in noisy environments.
- Slurred or unclear speech.
- Hoarseness or a breathy voice.
- Reduced facial expressions.
Cognitive Changes:
- Memory Issues: People with Parkinson’s might find it hard to remember things, from minor details like a password to more significant things like a spouse’s name, depending on the disease’s progression.
- Attention Problems: Maintaining focus can be challenging, whether it’s staying engaged in a conversation or completing tasks that were previously routine.
- Executive Functioning Difficulties: Challenges may arise in areas like organization, impulse control, planning, or managing emotions.
IMPROVING SPEECH IN PARKINSON'S
How can I improve my speech with Parkinson's disease?
For individuals with Parkinson’s disease looking to maintain or improve their speech, there are several effective strategies they can use. A good starting point for many is to seek out speech-language therapy. Once they begin treatment, they may work on various exercises with their speech therapist, including:
Vocal Exercises: These exercises help with voice projection and volume. For example, practicing with open vowels can improve projection, while using a vocal amplifier can assist with increasing volume when needed. A speech-language pathologist can guide the use of these tools effectively.
Swallowing Exercises: These exercises are designed to strengthen swallowing mechanisms. Techniques like the Mendelsohn maneuver (lifting the larynx while swallowing), the Masako maneuver (biting the tongue while swallowing), and the effortful swallow (pushing down while swallowing) can be beneficial.
Breath Support Exercises: These exercises focus on improving breathing control to support louder and clearer speech. They are similar to vocal exercises but specifically target breath control to enhance voice quality.
Working closely with a speech-language therapist, individuals can customize these exercises to best suit their needs and improve their speech functions.
PARKINSON'S SPEECH EVALUATION
Why should you see a speech-language therapist for an evaluation?
If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s disease, seeing a speech-language pathologist can be incredibly beneficial. Here’s why:
1. Maintaining or Improving Voice Function: Parkinson’s can make it hard to keep your voice loud and clear. A speech-language pathologist can help you learn techniques to boost your volume and keep your voice strong for as long as possible.
2. Enhancing Swallowing and Diet: Parkinson’s might make it challenging to eat normally. Swallowing exercises can strengthen your ability to swallow and help you maintain a balanced diet. Just like with your voice, keeping these functions stable is key to managing the disease.
3. Emotional Support: Parkinson’s can be tough, both physically and emotionally. It can be hard to adjust to the changes and communicate effectively, which might make you feel isolated. A speech-language pathologist can offer support and help you find new ways to communicate, making the journey a bit easier.
PARKINSON'S TREATMENT
How speech therapy works for Parkinson’s disease?
Speech therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease can vary widely, depending on the disease’s progression, personal goals, and specific challenges related to speech, communication, cognition, or swallowing. Here’s a breakdown of what speech therapy might include:
Vocal Exercises: Practicing exercises like open vowel sounds to help with vocal projection.
New Communication Tools: Learning to use devices such as vocal amplifiers to improve communication.
Swallowing Exercises: Techniques like the Mendelsohn maneuver or Masako maneuver to strengthen swallowing and maintain a balanced diet.
Emotional Support: Assistance in adapting to new communication methods and dietary changes.
Cognitive Therapy: Strategies to manage impulsive behaviors, plan daily tasks, enhance working memory, and improve organizational skills.
Each person’s therapy will be tailored to their unique needs and goals.
PARKINSON'S SPEECH THERAPY
What to expect during a Parkinson's speech therapy session?
A speech therapy session for someone with Parkinson’s disease can vary depending on their needs. If the goal is to improve voice volume, they might use techniques like LSVT LOUD, which helps increase voice loudness through specific exercises.
The speech therapist might also introduce alternative communication methods, such as vocal amplifiers or AAC devices, to help the individual communicate more effectively. For those aiming to maintain or return to their regular diet, the focus might be on swallowing exercises like the Mendelsohn maneuver (elevating the larynx during swallowing) or the Masako maneuver (biting the tongue while swallowing).
Additionally, involving loved ones in therapy can be beneficial. This could mean having them join sessions, learning about new communication or swallowing techniques, and practicing exercises together. Finally, if the person is struggling with the emotional aspects of their changing communication abilities, the therapist may work with them to find acceptance and cope with these changes.