Parkinson’s Disease.
Approximately 70% of people with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) develop difficulty with speech or voice.
The first sign of PD is often a change to your voice such as breathiness or hoarseness, or a reduction in loudness noticed more by your listeners. 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 much easier to learn and practise the exercises to increase volume and speech clarity. The person with Parkinsons’ Disease may not be aware that they are not easily heard or understood by others. t is often ‘communication partners’ who notice the changes in speech clarity (mumbling) or volume and find themselves requesting repeats. Part of the therapy process involves ‘recalibration’ of the level of intentionality and effort needed to speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard easily.
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. We use vocal function exercises and other techniques to reduce tension that may have developed to compensate for the effects of Parkinsons Disease on breathing and voice production. 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 specialist PD clinics at Ballina and War Memorial Hospitals. She enjoys collaborating with other practitioners on the PD team (e.g. O.T.s, physios). Training and working closely with communication partners/ support workers is integral to successful therapy.
Eighty percent of people with PD also develop some degree of difficulty swallowing.
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.
If self funded rebates are available through Health Funds or Chronic Disease Management Care Plan from your GP.
If over 65 you may be eligible for speech pathology through a Support at Home (previously known as Aged Care )Package.