Parkinson’s
Parkinson's Disease is a complex neurodegenerative condition that can impact speech, thinking skills, and swallowing. A hallmark of Parkinson's is decreased 'amplitude' or strength, which can lead to reduced volume, pitch, or quality of speech, difficulty swallowing or managing saliva, and decreased memory and word finding. There are also lesser known, non-motor symptoms such as reduced motivation, and cognitive rehabilitation can help.
Intensive voice exercise with evidenced-based programs such as Speak OUT! or Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT Loud) is recommended to improve and maintain vocal strength and intelligibility. We recommend completing the 4-5 week course of either Speak OUT! or LSVT Loud prior to starting speech therapy with NSS. Check the resources section of the website to find an LSVT or Speak OUT! program near Western MA
Contact us to learn more about whether our services are a good fit for you or your loved one.
Treatment approach
All of the changes that Parkinson’s Disease brings about can impact participation in daily activities, and cause communication breakdowns that lead to further stress. Our services are appropriate for those seeking help with communication, memory, attention, decision-making, and swallowing. Therapy can help you develop individualized exercises, strategies, and routines to maintain speech, swallowing, and cognitive skills. NSS also offers training for Respiratory Muscle Strengthening Treatment, which has been shown to help with both communication and swallowing skills.
Effective treatment of neurologically based communication and cognitive disorders includes a collaborative, person-centered approach that supports the integration of therapeutic methods into your everyday life. Together we'll identify your challenges as well as your strengths, your goals for recovery and return to pre-injury activities, and a plan of care that feels right to you and your family. In addition to cognitive retraining, treatment may include brain health coaching, home or environmental modification, and creative solutions to barriers experienced by the individual.
Understanding Parkinson’s
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Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is caused by the deterioration of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra region. Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that facilitates smooth, coordinated muscle movements. Individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability.
Non-motor symptoms can also manifest, including cognitive changes, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease remains unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute to its development. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, various treatment strategies aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by the condition. As the understanding of Parkinson's disease continues to evolve, ongoing research efforts are focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches and refining diagnostic methods to enhance early detection and intervention.
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Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects movement, including speech. One of the most common speech symptoms associated with Parkinson's is dysarthria, a motor speech disorder characterized by slurred or unclear speech. Individuals with Parkinson’s may or may not notice the changes themselves, but often report that others complain that their voice is “flat” or “monotone” and that they are speaking too quietly, among other symptoms.
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Parkinson's disease is commonly associated with movement-related symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity. However, many “non-motor” symptoms can occur, such as changes in memory, attention, decision-making, sequencing, and motivation. These changes don’t happen to everyone with Parkinson’s, but when they do, they are worrisome and can affect one’s ability to complete activities such as driving, reading, cooking, and other daily tasks. See Parkinson’s Resources for more information.
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Parkinson's disease significantly affects swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. The motor symptoms caused by Parkinson’s Disease can lead to weakness and disruption of the coordination of swallowing muscles. Symptoms will vary from person to person but can include complaints of “being the last one at the table,” feeling too tired to finish meals, and/or coughing/throat clearing during and immediately after meals. Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should consider getting a referral for speech therapy. Dysphagia increases the risk of aspiration, where food enters the lungs and can lead to pneumonia, and speech therapy can help you reduce this risk.
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You might benefit from speech, swallowing or cognitive therapy if you have experienced changes in any of these areas that impact your ability to participate in life in the ways you did prior to your diagnosis. For example, having enough difficulty with memory that you forget to take your medications on time, or having to stop going out to eat or to a social group due to changes in your speech or swallowing. Therapy can help you create and maintain strategies to continue participating in your life in the ways that are important to you.
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Learn about the disease. Explore the many webinars and resources available from the APDA and the PD Foundation. Come to a support group for care partners to build a community and learn strategies that might help you and your loved one. Check out our resources pages for more information.
The benefits of treatment
With the help of speech and language therapy, many individuals with aphasia make significant improvements in their language abilities and overall quality of life.
Together, we’ll help you overcome barriers, increase your confidence, and improve communication skills in the environments and situations that you value most.
I am deeply appreciative of Liz and the ways in which she is helping me. Because of my illness I lost the ability to stay organized in my life and was feeling overwhelmed. Liz has guided and supported me to maximize the skills and abilities that I still have. Even more importantly Liz has acted in a respectful and supportive way, which has helped me to accept that I need help in areas that I was previously able to complete independently.
– Karen
Parkinson’s resources
APDA Massachusetts: Local resources for Parkinson’s
Recorded online speech exercises: Parkinson’s Voice Project
Find a support group in MA (Care Partners or People with Parkinson’s)
Take the next step.
Both in-person and virtual therapy are available. In-person sessions typically happen in your home, saving you the time and cost of travel. Book your free 15-minute consultation today.
