Book an Appointment

Parkinson's Disease

  1. Home
  3. Speech Therapy For Adult
  5. Parkinson’s Disease
Definition

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement control. It results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a crucial area of the brain that regulates movement and coordination. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals experience a variety of motor and non-motor symptoms, significantly impacting their daily lives

Causes

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unclear, several factors are believed to contribute to its development:

  • Genetic Factors:

Certain genetic mutations have been associated with familial forms of Parkinson’s, such as mutations in the SNCA gene (which encodes alpha-synuclein) and LRRK2 gene.

  • Environmental Factors:

Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, and heavy metals has been linked to a higher risk of developing PD.

Rural living and agricultural occupations may increase exposure to these environmental toxins.

  • Age:

Aging is the most significant risk factor; most individuals diagnosed are over 60 years old.Age-related changes in brain chemistry and structure may contribute to the onset of the disease.

  • Other Factors:

Head injuries or traumatic brain injuries may increase susceptibility to Parkinson’s.

Certain medical conditions, such as depression or sleep disorders, have been associated with an increased risk.A family history of Parkinson’s may increase an individual’s risk.

Key Signs and Symptoms:

  • Motor Symptoms:

Tremor: Often begins as a resting tremor in one hand or foot, characterized by rhythmic shaking.

Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making everyday tasks more difficult and time-consuming.

Rigidity: Muscle stiffness that can lead to discomfort and limited range of motion.

Postural Instability: Difficulty maintaining balance, leading to an increased risk of falls.

  • Non-Motor Symptoms:

Cognitive Changes: Memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and executive function impairments can develop over time.

Mood Disorders: Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common among individuals with PD.

Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and REM sleep behavior disorder can affect sleep quality.

Observable Traits
  • Tremors in hands or limbs while at rest
  • Shuffling gait with reduced arm swing
  • Difficulty initiating movements or freezing episodes
  • Masked facial expression (reduced facial movements)
  • Soft or low voice (hypophonia)
  • Micrographia (small handwriting)
  • Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., buttoning shirts)
Risk Factors
Causes

Genetic predisposition due to family history.

Environmental exposure to toxins or certain chemicals.

Age-related degeneration.

Age Group Affected

Most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged 60 and older.

Early-onset Parkinson’s can occur in individuals as young as 30 or 40.

How it affects speech?
  • Voice Changes:

Reduced Volume (Hypophonia): Monotone Voice: The ability to vary pitch and loudness can be impaired, leading to a flat or monotonous sound.

Tremor: Voice tremors or shakiness can also occur.

  • Articulation Problems:

Slurred or Mumbled Speech: The muscles involved in speech production may become stiff or slow, causing difficulty with clear articulation.

Difficulty Finding Words: Cognitive difficulties associated with Parkinson’s can make it harder to find the right words or organize thoughts for speaking.

Stuttering or Stammering: In some cases, speech can become rapid or even sound like stuttering or stammering.

  • Other Communication Challenges:

Reduced Facial Expressions: Rigidity in facial muscles can limit facial expressions, impacting nonverbal communication.

Difficulty Expressing Emotions: The ability to convey emotions through vocal tone can be affected.

Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia): Parkinson’s can also affect swallowing, which can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia.

Impact on Daily Life:

  • Social Isolation: Speech difficulties can lead to frustration and difficulty communicating, potentially leading to social isolation.
  • Professional Challenges: Speech problems can impact job performance, especially in roles requiring frequent public speaking.
Assessment

Speech-sy’s assessment for parkinsons disorder includes:-

  • Clinical Evaluation:Comprehensive case history including medical background, symptom onset, and progression.
  • Oral Mechanism Examination:Assessing the structure and function of oral mechanisms involved in speech production (e.g., tongue mobility, lip strength).
  • Voice Quality Assessment:Evaluating vocal characteristics such as pitch, loudness, breathiness, strain, and overall voice quality using perceptual scales like the Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V).
  • Speech Intelligibility Testing:Measuring how understandable a person’s speech is through standardized assessments that quantify intelligibility percentages based on listener comprehension.
  • Swallowing Evaluation:Conducting assessments like videofluoroscopic swallow studies (VFSS) or fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) to evaluate swallowing safety and efficiency.
  • Cognitive-Linguistic Screening:Using tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to identify cognitive impairments affecting communication.
  • Functional Communication Assessment:Observing communication abilities during daily activities to identify challenges related to speech production and comprehension.

Speech-sy’s Management approach

  • Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT):A specialized program designed to improve vocal loudness through intensive voice exercises that focus on increasing vocal effort while speaking.
  • Pitch Limiting Voice Treatment (PLVT):Techniques aimed at addressing pitch control issues often seen in Parkinson’s patients by encouraging a more consistent pitch range during speech.
  • Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST):Exercises designed to strengthen respiratory muscles involved in speech production, improving breath support for clearer speech.
  • Articulation Exercises:Targeted exercises designed to improve clarity of speech sounds affected by motor control issues.
  • Swallowing Therapy Techniques:Strategies for safe swallowing practices including postural adjustments during meals and dietary modifications to prevent aspiration.
  • Use of Technology:Incorporating voice amplification devices for patients with soft voices.Utilizing apps for speech practice or reminders for communication strategies.
Outcomes
  • Improved Vocal Loudness and Clarity: Enhanced ability to speak loudly and clearly.
  • Increased Speech Intelligibility: Better understanding of speech by listeners through clearer articulation.
  • Better Swallowing Safety: Reduced risk of aspiration and improved eating practices.
  • Enhanced Communication Confidence: Increased self-assurance in social interactions.
  • Strengthened Caregiver Support: Caregivers equipped with effective communication strategies.
  • Maintenance of Quality of Life: Retained ability to communicate, preserving dignity and independence.
  • Adaptability Over Time: Therapy adjusted as Parkinson’s progresses to meet changing needs.
  • Reduced Frustration: : Improved communication reduces stress and emotional challenges for patients and caregivers.

We’re Here When You’re Ready.

Copyright © 2025 speech-sy All Rights Reserved.