Parkinson’s disease (PD) effects movement and communication, which can be helped through speech pathology exercises. Early intervention can help identify premature signs of struggle with speech, facial expressions and body language. Even those who are not yet having troubles with speech may benefit by seeing a speech pathologist, since they are able to pick up on subtle changes that patients may not be aware of themselves. They can also help in identifying technical equipment (e.g. voice amplifiers or electronic communication aids) for those with severely impaired speech/communication as a result of PD. Overall, therapy exercises aim to improve speech volume and clarity, coordination of breathing and speech as well as non-verbal communication, such as facial expression.
My Rehab Team offers mobile therapy services, including: exercises physiology, dietetics, physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy, podiatry and a rehabilitation – health coach. Contact our team at 1300MYREHABTEAM (1300 469 794) or at info@myrehabteam.com.au.
References:
Parkinson’s Victoria [Online] Available at: http://www.parkinsonsvic.org.au/parkinsons-and-you/speech-and-communication/ (Accessed 12th of July 2015)
WebMD [Online] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/guide/parkinsons-speech-therapy (Accessed 12th of July 2015)
Parkinson’s Disease Clinic and Research Center [Online] Available at: http://pdcenter.neurology.ucsf.edu/patients-guide/speech-and-swallowing-therapy (Accessed 12th of July 2015)
Image courtesy of “stockimages” @FreeDigitalPhotos.net Available at: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/ (Accessed 12th of July 2015)
