Speech Tips for Parkinson’s Disease

Your Parkinson’s does not define you.

Your strength and courage do.

Speech-Language Therapy in PD:

A Speech-Language Therapist will get involved in the treatment process because the disease progresses. In other words, speech and communication difficulties are very commonly reported in Persons with PD. This symptom is seen as a result of the overall degeneration of the nerves and muscles supplying to the various parts of the speech subsystem.

What are the Symptoms?

 As the disease progresses speech and language symptoms begin to appear. For instance, it may include one or more of the following symptoms:

• Slurred Speech (Reduced clarity of speech)
• Short rushes of speech
• Difficulty in producing certain speech sounds
• Reduce volume of voice
• Hoarse or strained voice
• Monotonous speech
• Swallowing difficulties
• Drooling of saliva
• Language deficits

“If you’re facing any of the above-listed symptoms, a Speech-Language Therapist is a go-to-person to access appropriate intervention and guidance ”

Speech Tips for Parkinson’s Disease:

Here are some Speech Tips for Persons with Parkinson’s Disease.

Speech Tips for Parkinson’s Disease- Exercise 1:

Below is a simple exercise to correct your posture and regulate your breathing. In other words, it will improve your overall quality of speech.

Steps:

1: First, sit up straight

2: Then, inhale deeply and feel the expansion of your stomach.

3: Next, as you exhale, say “ah” as loud as you can (Repeat this step five times).

 4: Finally, take deep breaths before every word you say.

• State your full name
• List days of the week
• Count 1 to 20 numbers
• List 5 things around the house etc.,

Most Importantly, remember to not stress beyond your capacity while doing the above exercise!

Speech Tips for Parkinson’s Disease-Exercise 2:

Further, this is a simple exercise to improve the overall clarity of your voice.

Steps:

Step 1: Practice lip and tongue strengthening exercises. Click on the link below for detailed steps: Oral motor exercise

Step 2: Take a deep breath and say “hello” in an alternating soft and comfortable loud voice.

Step 3: Practice saying high-pressure consonants loudly;

• Firstly, /pa/ /ba/ /ta/ /da/ (Repeat each syllable 5 times).
• Secondly, /pipipi/ /papapa/ /bababa/ /bibibi/ (Repeat each 5 times).
• Lastly, try to glide on a /ng/ syllable as in the sound of a police siren. This can be done by increasing and decreasing the loudness.

Step 4: Practice the following pitch glides:

• Take a deep breath and glide /a/ /i/ /u/ from low to high pitch (Repeat 5 times).
• Breathe deeply and sing a song starting on a comfortable note. Consequently, vary your pitch and volume while singing. Singing will engage the muscles and stimulate your nerves.

Tips for Safe Swallowing:

      These are some tips to help you to achieve a safe swallow.

• Sit up in a straight posture while eating or drinking always.
• Similarly, tilt your head slightly forward while swallowing.
• Additionally, take small bite sizes and chew well before swallowing. After that, take another bite.
• Above all, drink in small sips while drinking liquids.
• Moreover, allow your system sometime before you take another sip.
• Further, swallow twice if there is any residue left. However, drinking water can help to clear any food particles.
• Similarly, mashed and well-cooked consistency of food/ vegetables can be taken.
• In short, consume sufficient calories to maintain your nutrition.

Some tips to prevent drooling of saliva:

• Firstly, keep your chin up and close your lips while you are eating and not speaking.
• Secondly, increase the frequency of swallowing saliva.
• Lastly, consult a doctor for appropriate medication to decrease drooling.

Tips for better communication:

• When you want to communicate, choose a quiet environment, and talk to one person at a time.
• This is to say, choose a comfortable upright posture while you communicate.
• Use short phrases and speak slowly. For instance, stress each syllable/ word as you speak.
• Use content words to convey your message in a short phrase. Certainly, avoid longer utterances.
• On the other hand, take adequate voice breaks as you speak for longer periods.
• Additionally, always carry paper and a pen to write your message down.

These are some general tips, but they may not work for all individuals with PD!

Speech Therapy Mobile Applications:

These are some Speech Therapy digital applications for Persons with PD. Above all, apps should be used only under the guidance of a qualified Speech-Language Therapist.

1. Speech Prompts
2. Loud and Clear Speech Therapy
3. LSVT Global LOUD
4. Speak Up for Parkinson’s
5. Swallow Prompt

“In conclusion, it is absolutely essential to consult a Speech-Language Therapist to avail appropriate guidance.”

Need assistance in finding a Speech-Language Therapist?

 

 

 

 

 

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Ayesha Anjum

Speech-Language Pathologist at 1SpecialPlace

I am a certified and trained professional adept in conducting assessment and intervention for persons with communication disorders. I also enjoy writing blogs.

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