Speech difficulties in PD

Posted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 1:26 am Post subject: Speech Difficulties in PD

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Dear Doctor,

I understand about half of all people with PD are likely develop difficulty with speech. The speech changes that occur are due to inco-ordination and reduced activities of muscles that control the speech mechanism.

The main difficulties I have experience are:
Loss of volume, pitch, range and intonation in the voice.,
speech being either too fast or too slow
uncontrolled repetitions of sounds, words or phrases;
slurred speech;
difficulty initiating speech;
reduced facial expression and natural gesture; and
a harsh, breathy voice.

Is it related with Jaw tremor or trauma (the shock caused by unpleasant and upsetting experience )?

Is it related to tongue-tied/twister(difficulty to speak quickly) caused by neurological disorders?

Is it related with the drooling of saliva from the mouth ?

Best regards

TEOKIMHOE

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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD



Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Wed Jul 18, 2007 7:04 am Post subject:

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Dear Teo,
Once again, your questions are very good, and relevant. However, this is outside my scope of practice as a dietitian. NPF has an excellent forum, however, that addresses speech concerns. Please go back to "Discussion Corner," and scroll down to "Talk To A Speech Clinician." Post your question there for an answer by experts in the field.
_________________
Best regards,
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
--
For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit:
http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/

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Anonymous






Posted: Sat Jul 28, 2007 5:31 pm Post subject: Speech Difficulties in PD

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Speech difficulty is very common among Parkinson's patients (about 80%). Unfortunately, it is also one of the most neglected areas in the management of PD.

Medications are helpful. In fact, when one's voice becomes softer and less clear, it is a sign of progression of illness. In this case, adding new medications and / or increasing the dose of existing medications is helpful.

Yes, speech therapy is also useful but there are probably less than twenty qualified speech therapist in Malaysia. There should be greater awareness on the important role of speech therapist in the management of PD.

Dr Chew Nee Kong, Kuala Lumpur.

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Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD



Joined: 22 Jan 2007
Posts: 94
Location: www.nutritionucanlivewith.com
Posted: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:01 pm Post subject:

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Many thanks to Dr. Kong, for an illuminating and considerate response. I agree, the topic of speech difficulty, and diminished ability to communicate, is among the very important concerns with PD; and it is under-addressed here in the U.S. as well.
_________________
Best regards,
Kathrynne Holden, MS, RD
--
For a Parkinson Tip of the Day visit:
http://www.nutritionucanlivewith.com/