Speechclicks platform of gadgets, therapies, therapists for speech disorders, dysphagia, apraxia, dysarthria & speech impediments with Parkinson's disease.
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| Parkinson's Disease and Speaking Effort | Parkinson`s Disease & Speech Therapy |
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a
progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the movement of the body.
It is characterized by tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, along with
other symptoms such as cognitive impairment, depression, and anxiety. Speech
problems are also common in Parkinson's disease, with many patients
experiencing a higher level of effort required to speak.
Parkinson's disease affects the basal
ganglia, a group of structures located deep within the brain that are involved
in the control of movement. One of the primary functions of the basal ganglia
is to regulate the speed and force of movements, including speech. When the
basal ganglia are damaged by Parkinson's disease, this can result in a higher level
of effort required to speak, a condition known as hypokinetic dysarthria.
Hypokinetic dysarthria is
characterized by a reduced range of motion of the articulators, resulting in
imprecise articulation and reduced loudness. This can make speech difficult to understand, and patients may need to exert a higher level of effort to be
understood. Patients with hypokinetic dysarthria may also have difficulty
initiating speech, resulting in a hesitation or delay before speaking.
Studies have shown that speaking effort is significantly higher in patients with Parkinson's disease compared to healthy controls. In one study, researchers measured the speaking effort of Parkinson's disease patients and found that their speaking effort was almost 50% higher than controls. Another study found that Parkinson's disease patients had a reduced vocal intensity, which means they need to exert more effort to be heard.
The higher speaking effort in Parkinson's disease can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Communication is a vital aspect of daily life, and a higher speaking effort can make it difficult for patients to express themselves and participate in social activities. Patients may feel fatigued, frustrated, and embarrassed by their speech difficulties, which can lead to a decline in their mental health and overall well-being.
Speech therapy is a common treatment for Parkinson's disease patients with speech difficulties. Speech therapists can help patients improve their articulation, loudness, and speaking effort through a range of techniques and exercises. One common technique used by speech therapists is the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), which involves intensive voice and speech exercises to improve vocal loudness and speaking effort. Studies have shown that LSVT can significantly improve speaking effort and intelligibility in Parkinson's disease patients.
Another approach to improving speaking effort in Parkinson's disease is the use of technology. Speech amplifiers and voice amplifiers can be used to amplify the patient's voice, making it easier for them to be heard. Some devices, such as the SpeechVive device, use auditory cues to encourage patients to speak louder and with less effort, improving their speaking effort and overall communication ability.
In conclusion, Parkinson's disease is a complex disorder that can affect many aspects of a patient's life, including their speaking effort. Hypokinetic dysarthria is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease, resulting in a higher level of effort required to speak and reduced vocal intensity. This can have a significant impact on patients' quality of life, leading to social isolation and decreased mental health. Speech therapy and technology-based interventions can help patients improve their speaking effort and communicate more effectively, leading to improved quality of life and well-being.
Tags: - gadgets, therapies, speech
therapists, therapies, apraxia, dysarthria, dysphagia, stroke, speech
impediments, speech therapy, Parkinson's disease
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