Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Do you know someone living with Parkinson’s disease? Whether they’ve just received a diagnosis or are a little while into their Parkinson’s journey, it is worth looking into the Speech Pathology options available.
Perhaps you’ve already heard a bit about how Parkinson’s can eventually begin to affect a person’s communication and swallowing. Speech therapy for Parkinson’s Disease is an effective, evidence-based way to maintain confident communication, safe swallowing, and quality of life for longer.
What is Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Speech Pathologists are allied health professionals that can help people with communication and swallowing difficulties. They perform assessments to determine what specific challenges an individual is facing, and then prepare a dedicated therapy plan to help them address their symptoms.
Why Do People with Parkinson’s Disease Need Speech Therapy?
As we mentioned earlier, people with Parkinson’s disease commonly experience changes in their communication and swallowing ability. This is because Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive movement disorder that causes nerve cells (neurons) in parts of the brain to weaken, leading to increasing difficulty walking, talking, and swallowing.
Up to 90% of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease will develop a speech disorder called Dysarthria that can make it difficult for others to understand what they’re saying when they’re talking. This can have a large impact on whether or not someone wants to socialise with others and can lead to negative impacts on their quality of life and social engagement – even with family members and friends.
More than 80% of individuals with Parkinson’s will develop difficulties with eating and drinking as well. This is called Dysphagia and may be first noted by frequent coughing or taking longer to eat meals, needing to throat clear during meals and over time can lead to increased choking risk.
Speech therapy for Parkinson’s Disease typically focuses on helping an individual to maintain their communication and swallowing function for longer. By dedicating regular time and effort to speech therapy (and home practice) individuals can see great results, helping them to enjoy a prolonged positive quality of life.
Some symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease that are worth discussing with a certified Speech Pathologist include:
- Talking quieter than usual
- Speaking more quickly and harder to understand
- Frequently coughing or taking longer to eat meals
- Getting tired or breathless when talking
- Not finishing meals due to fatigue or difficulty swallowing/chewing
- Needing to clear throat often during meals
- Feeling like your voice “runs out” or fades by the end of a sentence
Speak Out! Program for Parkinson’s Disease
While there are many different types of speech therapy approaches out there for Parkinson’s Disease, there is an intensive program that has been shown to offer great results. The SPEAK OUT!® program from Parkinson’s Voice Project is an evidence-based therapy approach that has been shown to help individuals to improve the clarity, quality, and strength of their voice post-therapy block. The principles of the program are also beneficial for integration into dysphagia therapy to support safe and enjoyable mealtimes.
If you want to maintain your voice, minimise swallowing problems, and improve quality of life after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, it is worth seeking out speech therapy!
Getting Started with Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
If you are interested in starting your speech therapy journey, we’re here and ready to help. Our friendly team of Speech Pathologists are dedicated to improving the quality of life of individuals living with progressive neurological conditions, like Parkinson’s.
Our clinic is based in Burpengary East, North Brisbane, and we also offer telehealth speech therapy appointments that may be suitable for those wishing to engage in the SPEAK OUT! Program from the comfort of their own home.