Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
Speech therapy benefits people with Parkinson's disease in a variety of ways. It’s estimated that most people with Parkinson’s will develop a speech problem that requires support from a speech therapist.
However, did you know that a licensed speech therapist can treat other issues that may come with Parkinson’s? Speech therapy for Parkinson’s can also focus on cognitive changes and swallowing difficulties.
Parkinson’s disease is progressive, so it’s best to begin speech therapy as soon as symptoms arise. This can help prevent the further loss of voice, speech, cognitive, and swallowing function over time.
Let’s take a look at signs that speech therapy for Parkinson's may be needed. Below are the symptoms to watch for.
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Free consultationVoice and speech symptoms of Parkinson’s
Having a breathy voice
Speaking quietly
Speaking slowly
Slurred or mumbled speech
Difficulty being understood by others
Speaking in a monotone voice
Swallowing symptoms of Parkinson’s
Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
Choking or near choking experiences
Coughing with food or liquids
Taking a longer time to eat
Food feeling “stuck” in your throat
A wet-sounding or gurgly voice after mealtimes
Drooling
Cognitive-communication symptoms of Parkinson’s
Difficulty with attention
Issues with problem solving
Difficulty finding the words you want to say
Takes longer to process information
When should you see a speech therapist for Parkinson’s disease?
The American Parkinson’s Disease Association offers a general list of signs that speech therapy may be needed:
You feel like your voice is hoarse or breathy.
You clear your throat to get your voice to “turn on.”
You feel like you’re running out of air while speaking.
Other people often ask you to repeat yourself.
You take a long time to finish a meal.
You’re usually the last one at the table at mealtimes.
You are losing weight or eating less.
You have a frequent runny nose while eating or drinking.
If you have Parkinson’s disease and are seeing any of the symptoms in this article, contact a speech therapist. Even if you think you might be noticing some changes but aren’t entirely sure, it’s still important to see a professional. Some of these changes in function can occur subtly. A trained speech therapist can detect these symptoms before they may be fully apparent to you.
Even if your symptoms seem minor to you, having an evaluation with a speech therapist allows you to establish a relationship with them. The speech therapist will get to know you and understand your concerns. They will give you exercises and lifestyle changes to help prevent symptoms from worsening.
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Schedule a free consultationYour speech therapist can track your symptoms over time. Starting therapy early allows your therapist to assess your baseline of function, which enables them to better identify any changes as they develop.
Make sure to tell your therapist what you’d like to focus on. Maybe you don’t want other people to keep asking you to “speak up,” or you’d like to be able to eat your favorite foods more easily. Share your thoughts about treatment with your speech therapist. Therapy should be a collaborative effort!
How to get started with an Expressable speech therapist
Expressable provides online speech therapy to people of all ages. We employ more than 150 licensed speech therapists, many with deep experience treating people with Parkinson’s.
Online speech therapy is done via video conferencing on a computer or tablet. You’ll meet face-to-face with your speech therapist, just like you would at a clinic or office, but from the comfort of your own home. Your caregivers or loved ones are welcome to join as well.
During sessions, your speech therapist will teach you exercises you can complete at home to strengthen your skills. They’ll also guide your caregivers in how to best support you.
Reach out to Expressable today. You can talk with a specialist during a free consultation call. We’re here to answer your questions and help you decide on the right next steps.
