Speech therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease and speech language deficits

Parkinson's disease is a complex neurological condition that affects various aspects of a person's life, including speech and communication. The underlying cause of Parkinson's disease is the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain, which leads to impaired motor control. This loss affects the muscles involved in speech production.

Individuals with Parkinson's disease may experience difficulties with articulation, causing their speech to become slurred or mumbled. They may also have trouble with volume control, speaking too softly or too loudly. Additionally, changes in vocal quality, such as a monotone voice or a hoarse voice, are common in Parkinson's disease.

With the help of speech therapy and specialized treatments such at the SpeakOut! Live with Intent program, individuals with Parkinson's disease can regain control over their voice and improve their ability to communicate effectively.