According to the Parkinson's Foundation, approximately 10 million people worldwide are affected by the disease. Parkinson's affects motor movement and, in later stages, may also affect talking, memory, and swallowing functioning. Speech therapists play an important role in each of these areas.
Voice
Parkinson's disease affects the dopamine receptors in the body. As we see smaller movements in walking, this can also be seen in speech. Impacts on the voice may include lower volume or less clear speech. Treatment in this area will address increasing volume and speech clarity to allow the person to continue to communicate wants needs and ideas. It's important to work on this proactively to reduce the risk of changes in the voice throughout the disease progression.
Memory
Those with Parkinson's disease may begin to notice changes in memory or slowing in the ability to process information. Speech therapist specialize in working on executive functioning skills, higher level skills that allow us to complete tasks in daily life. Treatment may address areas that have become difficult in daily life such as remembering when to take medication, following routines, and safety in the home or community.
Swallowing
Lastly, Parkinson's disease can cause changes in chewing or swallowing function. Reduced movement may make it difficult to efficiently and effectively chew foods, resulting in pocketing food in the cheeks, residue in the mouth, or spilling of food out of the mouth. There may also be changes with the pharyngeal phase, the portion of the swallow that occurs in the throat. Those with Parkinson's disease might begin to notice more coughing or throat clearing during meals. Speech-language pathologists specialize in dysphagaia (difficulty swallowing) and can help assess ways to improve swallow function or compensate for changes, such as changing food texture or using strategies to more efficiently consume meals.
At Insight Speech and Swallowing Therapy LLC we are experienced in the treatment of speech, memory, and swallowing changes affecting those with Parkinson's disease. Please contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
For personalized speech and swallowing therapy in Cherry Hill and surrounding South Jersey/Philadelphia Area, reach out today! Call 856-200-8392 or visit https://www.insightspeechandswallowing.com/
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