Parkinson’s Disease. Approximately 70% of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) develop difficulty with speech or voice.
The first sign of PD can be a change in vocal quality such as breathiness, hoarseness. Unfortunately some people with PD wait until their speech is difficult to understand before seeking speech therapy, however, early intervention is highly recommended. In the early stages of PD it is easier to learn to adapt speech, practice particular exercises and reduce some of the potential problems with low volume or lack of speech clarity. It is often ‘communication partners’ who notice the changes in speech clarity (mumbling) or lower volume in the person with PD , and find themselves requesting repeats. The person with Parkinsons’ Disease may be unaware that their speech sounds any different and may need ‘recalibration’ regarding the level of intentionality and effort required to produce voice and speech so that it sounds like it did before the onset of Parkinsons’ Disease.
Treatment for PD includes Speak out loud and LSVT which can be seen as ‘weightlifting’ for the voice. Carmel’s specialised experience treating voice gives her the skills to prepare you to conduct these programs, safely without strain. Vocal function exercises and other techniques to de-constrict tension that may have developed to compensate for the PD changes are used. Carmel also teaches people with PD to ‘Yell Well’ using ‘Voice-craft’ techniques including twang for increased loudness.
Carmel has been helping people with PD for 35 years. She provided speech pathology input in two specialist PD clinics in Ballina and War Memorial hopsitals. She enjoys collaborating with other practitioners on the PD team (e.g. OTs, physios) and training and working closely with communication partners.
Eighy percent of people with PD also develop some degree of difficulty swallowing and vocal and respiratory loading training as well as specific tongue and swallowing exercises can be used to improve swallow function.
Carmel provides therapy support through NDIS for early onset PD for those under 65.