Speech difficulties in PD

: Sun Jul 29, 2007 4:22 am 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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lmahler



Joined: 02 Apr 2007
Posts: 1

Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2007 4:41 pm Post subject: Speech Therapy for PD

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Our experience is that the medications and surgical interventions that can be so beneficial for limb movement don't necessarily have the same consistency and extent of benefit for speech and swallowing so additional behavioral treatment is needed. Since 80-90% of people with PD will have speech and swallowing difficulties at some point I recommend considering receiving treatment earlier rather than later when it is easier to learn the techniques. Research data from PET scans has demonstrated changes in brain control during speech tasks following the administration of LSVT, an intensive behavioral voice treatment. Discuss these issues with your neurologist and at least get an evaluation to consider the options that are available to you.
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Leslie Mahler, PhD, CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
University of Rhode Island

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