Some conditions share many symptoms with Parkinson's but have their own distinct signs and respond poorly to levodopa treatment. Such conditions include Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Corticobasal Degeneration, Multi Systems Atrophy and Lewy Body Dementia.
These conditions can respond equally well to the speech and swallowing treatments including
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment®
LSVT is an intensive voice treatment involving four hour long sessions per week for four weeks (16 sessions in total). There have been three randomised controlled trials to prove its efficacy and it has been helping people with Parkinson's for over twenty five years. The focus of the sessions is on having a LOUD voice. Based on neuroplasticity and motor learning principles, the sessions focus on building good quality voice, then repeating the exercises to build strength, endurance, flexibility and resilience. The exercises are accompanied with extra physical and cognitive challenges to build greater generalisation and skill. Daily functional tasks are given to help generalise the voice into everyday life. The clinician also works with the client to help them recalibrate their ability to hear their own vocal loudness levels. Daily practice post therapy is required to maintain gains.
See www.lsvtglobal.com for more information.
Ruth provides monthly LSVT LOUD group sessions to help people stay motivated and keep their voices LOUD. All members have done the LSVT (either with Speech for Life or alternative provider). We meet the second Tuesday of each month in the CWA rooms. We are a friendly bunch, come join us!
People who have had Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may experience different speech symptoms after their DBS. Some people will have improved speech, some will have no change, some will experience worsened speech, with increased speech rate, voice changes and slurred speech. People post DBS will respond to LSVT, but may need increased sessions to get the same results.
Note: LSVT can be provided with funding from NDIS, DVA, Aged Care packages and under the Short Term Restorative Care programme.
Speak Out!
Speak Out is a similar intensive speech evidence based speech treatment, requiring 10-12 sessions with a focus on 'Speaking with Intent'. Following treatment, there are weekly online group sessions to support ongoing practice and maintenance of the skills.
See parkinsonvoiceproject.org for more information
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST)
EMST was designed for athletes and musicians to help expand their breathing skills. Research has now been done into using EMST in Parkinson's Disease and it has been shown to boost breath support for louder speech. It can also improve swallowing function and cough strength - important in swallowing safety.
For more information go to emst150.com
Vocal Fold Injections (Laryngoplasty)
Ear, Nose and Throat Specialists can inject natural or synthetic materials into the vocal folds to build up their bulk so that they close more fully when vibrating, producing louder and clearer voice. Effects can last from 3-6 months and can be repeated. Your GP will need to refer you for this treatment and the ENT can discuss with you whether you are a suitable candidate.
Alternative and Augmentative Communication
Wearable microphones can make the voice louder when out in public, helping the person be heard over background noise. If speech is slurred or the voice too quiet, voice to speech apps can be used or a simple alphabet board to assist with showing the listener the first letter of each word. The Speech Pathologist can advise as to which system may suit your needs best.
For more information on these conditions:
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy:
https://brainfoundation.org.au/disorders/progressive-supranuclear-palsy/
Multi Systems Atrophy:
https://www.msaa.org.au/
https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/multiple-system-atrophy/
Corticobasal Degeneration
https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/corticobasal-degeneration/
Lewy Body Dementia
https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia/lewy-body-dementias
https://www.parkinsons.org.au/information-hub/lewy-body-dementia/
Speech for Life provides a wholistic support service for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) at any stage of their journey. Speech for Life believes in providing a service that is based on what the client wants. Starting with an informal discussion, we seek to learn the needs and wishes of every individual, then create a personalised plan. We work closely with external multi-disclipinary specialists to ensure our clients have the information and support they are looking for.
Services Speech for Life can offer to those living with MND include:
Useful resources:
Voice banking options:
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