@A MyParkinsonsTeam Member I'm right there with you about not knowing what approach to take when the LSVT strategies don't continue to be used. I totally get that it can be overwhelming to keep all the different strategies in mind on a daily, continuing basis. It's not a question of being lazy, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. It's a lot to deal with and every day is a new "adventure."

I guess you just have to take things one day at a time. Some will be better than others. On the days there's less fatigue there might be more motivation. I also think that more socialization helps. That and humor. If I can get my husband out and about a bit and to smile or laugh it's a good day.

Wishing all of you, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and your husband, @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and your significant other, and @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member and your husband, a "program" of lots of smiles and laughter.

Hugs!

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A MyParki...

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A MyParki...

HI @A MyParkinsonsTeam Member. Yes, anxiety is a huge part of Parkinson's. So is depression. It can be treated with medication just the way other PD symptoms are treated with specific medications. Know that, frequently, anti anxiety and depression meds need to be incrementally introduced and may take 6 to 8 weeks before any benefit is seen. Anxiety has been making my husband's othe PD symptoms worse. He is in the process of finding the right dose of antidepressants that will work for him.

Also know that speech difficulty can be caused by the Parkinson's itself. Evaluation and treatment by a speech therapist is also a good idea. There is a speech therapy program specifically for Parkinsons patients called LSVT Loud that may also be beneficial for your husband. It involves an evaluation and 2 visits a week for 4 weeks with a speech therapist. The cost is nominal.

My husband also has a soft voice and loses his ability to muster enough breath to speak. He often needs to be reminded to use the strategies he learned in LSVT Loud. I'm thinking he might need a refresher.

By the way, is the doctor a neurologist and one who specializes in movement disorders like Parkinson's? If so, they might know where you can find the LSVT program. There is a related physical therapy program, LSVT Big, that may be beneficial as well.

Hope this helps.

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A MyParki...

My husband who has had PD for about 8 years was having trouble breathing at night or so he thought. It was all anxiety - quite severe. We were both surprised to hear that. He is now on 2 anti-depressants which have helped quite a bit. Anxiety is such a burden to deal with.....

It seems to be a normal problem in Pd. patients.

I also di8d the LSVT program but have not followed through either! My significant other keeps telling me to do the program but I am very resistant! Of course I want to speak like a normal person , but I just don't like doing the LSVT program! I guess I am just lazy!! OR I am just fed up with life as it is now!!