@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member The Speech Therapist has told me that also about the PD progression

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A MyParki...

I've worked with a speech therapist on two occasions. She gave me exercises to do daily, which I do, but there is no cure so as she put it "progression is inevitable" she felt bad that she could not help me more.

Have not done speech therapy. Have been thought to have been drinking due to balance and slurring of speech earlier in my PD treatment, but have become more conscious of this and don't get the impression that people think I'm drinking when I'm not. (When I was younger, someone thought I was stoned because I had noticed and was looking at the reflection of my cheek in my sunglasses, trying to figure out what it was. Sober on both occasions). Have always had a soft voice, perhaps because I don't have any hearing loss, or not much compared to my cohort. Can speak more loudly on demand and more aware of this and clear diction due to the Parkinson's. Especially with longer words, will slow down and pronounce them more clearly, in order to avoid slurring. Have done some of the Big and Loud exercises on my own, but no formal encounters with professionals. Same with music therapy - self-taught and self-applied. Slow, low and monotonous is my usual style, so the slide into PD symptoms was probably not noticed much.

Yes, Parkinson’s Disease is progressive, but Speech Pathologist’s help those who have voice.swallowing,cognitive issues. They use techniques that may include: The Parkinson’s Voice Project and/or Lee Silverman Voice Therapy-Loud (LSVT-LOUD) and other therapy as well. Maintenance of your voice abilities are also important.

Marc Mitnick, MS-CCC-Speech Pathologist
Parkinson’s Advocate
Parkinsonsflorida@ yahoo.com

I am glad that you went to a Speech Pathologist for vocal training! Keep up the good work. Marc Mitnick MS-CCC-Speech Pathologist