Speech and swallowing problems commonly affect people with Parkinson's disease. The disease damages the motor system and occurs in around 1.5 million Americans. Controlling the muscles in the mouth and face becomes more difficult, so speech can become slurred and erratic. However, through voice therapy for Parkinson's disease, patients can slowly overcome some of the limitations of the condition and improve their speech.
Difficulty speaking as a result of Parkinson's disease is known as dysarthria. It often happens alongside dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. Speech problems affect as much as 75 percent of all Parkinson's disease patients, according to the University of Florida Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration. Speech may become soft and faint, with words more rounded and slurred. Stuttering and pausing during speech are other common symptoms. Speech may continue to deteriorate as the condition develops.
Voice therapy for Parkinson's involves discovering the specific problems in a patient's speech and range of vocal movement. These problems vary depending on the person. A therapist then suggests ways of dealing with these issues. For example, if one side of the mouth appears to be deteriorating more than the other, muscle exercises can target that side to strengthen it again. At the same time, a therapist checks for any swallowing difficulties or saliva buildup. Both affect speech and comfort when talking.
Several different treatment options exist for Parkinson's voice therapy. One notable approach is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, or LSVT. Medical centers, including the specialist UCSF Parkinson's department and the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorder Center at Northwestern University recommend the technique. LSVT therapy involves intensive sessions, as many as 16 times in a month. The technique focuses on improving vocal strength and volume in the patient. Therapists gently push patients to increase their effort and volume every time they speak until speech becomes more fluent.
Although doctors may recommend you try specialist Parkinson's voice therapy, there are some exercises you can do at home. For example, the UCSF Parkinson's Disease Clinic and Research Center suggests a few simple techniques. Practice facing the person you're talking to and pretend that the person struggles to hear properly so that you make the extra effort to be understood. Similarly, exaggerating the pronunciation of words often makes them come out more clearly. Use short sentences and easy language. Make time to breath between sentences and pause before continuing.
