Understanding the Role of Speech and Swallowing Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects more than just movement—it can significantly impact speech and swallowing, essential functions that are often taken for granted. Many individuals with Parkinson’s experience challenges that greatly affect their quality of life and overall health.
How Parkinson’s Disease Affects a Patient’s Speech and Swallowing:
Patients all too often feel as though they are struggling with communication. Not only does their thinking change, and they can’t find the right words, but when they do try to communicate it may come out slurred or mumbled. Additionally, swallowing challenges where the patient finds themselves coughing, clearing their throat, or in extreme cases, drooling can all be extremely embarrassing. Sadly, without proper therapy, this can result in patients who stop socializing, avoiding family and friends in general or worse, complete isolation.
How Speech and Swallowing Therapy can Help
While there are Parkinson’s medications that can sometimes help, speech and swallowing therapy are often the main treatment. A speech and swallowing pathologist specialize in treating these communication issues through therapy plans that are tailored to the individual patient. No one treatment plan is the same.
Strategies Used to Improve Speech and Swallowing
Speech therapists teach the patient exercises to help strengthen swallowing muscles and techniques to improve the clarity of speech. By addressing issues like reduced muscle coordination, weakened vocal projection, and swallowing difficulties, therapy helps individuals maintain their ability to communicate effectively. Additionally, the speech-language pathologist may recommend changes to the patient’s diet as well as eating and drinking techniques to maintain swallowing safety.
Conclusion
With targeted techniques and personalized strategies, speech and swallowing therapy empowers those with Parkinson’s to navigate these challenges and improve their overall well-being. At Therapeutic Potentials, our team is here to provide the necessary support and guidance to help maintain a higher standard quality of life.
Additional Resources:
Parkinson’s Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/library/fact-sheets/speech-swallowing
Michael J Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/symptoms/speech-swallowing-problems