Enhancing Communication Skills In Parkinson’s Disease
Giving Voice To Your Voice
Speech therapy is a specialized field for the assessment and treatment of speech and language disorders in individuals of all ages. The primary purpose of speech therapy is to help individuals overcome challenges related to speech and communication skills, enhance language development, maintain vocal health and treat and manage swallowing disorders.
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs), commonly known as speech therapists, are highly trained professionals who assess and treat a wide range of communication disorders. These disorders stem from a variety of causes including developmental delays, neurological conditions, traumatic brain injuries, stroke, hearing impairment, or genetic syndromes.
Communication is the cornerstone of human interaction, providing for the expression of thoughts, emotions, wants and needs. However, for individuals living with a neurological condition such as Parkinson’s disease, clear communication can be challenging. Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, affects dopamine producing neurons in the brain manifesting a spectrum of motor and non-motor symptoms, affecting speech, cognition, and swallowing.
Parkinson’s disease introduces a host of vocal issues which can compromise the ability to communicate and affect an individual’s quality of life. Speech is often characterized by softness, breathiness, a harsh or gravelly sound, monotone, and diminished clarity due to impaired muscle control and coordination. Cognitive impairments, such as variable attention and memory issues further exacerbate communication challenges. Swallowing difficulties, termed dysphagia, can also emerge, placing the person at risk for aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition.
Vocal strengthening is of paramount importance in the management of Parkinson’s disease to equip individuals with the ability to make themselves understood. Flat affect is common. Something as simple as helping people become aware of their facial expression and make a concerted effort to smile can make such a difference in their social interactions. These facial muscles can be developed through exercise protocols related to vocal strengthening. Smiling invites people in and contributes to social connectedness and overall well-being.
Speech therapists use a number of techniques to improve respiratory support for speech, volume and clarity, in addition to providing cognitive therapy and managing dysphagia.
No two people with Parkinson’s disease are alike. Treatment must be tailored to accommodate the specific needs and goals of the individual. Exercise and socialization are essential to living successfully with Parkinson’s, not only physical exercise but vocal exercise as well. Through targeted and personalized care, therapists empower individuals to reach their full potential and communicative abilities.
Parkinson’s disease is what people have; it’s not who they are.
