1. Speech and Language Therapy
Parkinson’s Disease

2. Parkinson’s Disease
Speech
Swallow
Excess saliva/drooling

3. Speech/Dysarthria Quiet voice Monotone voice Slurred speech
Breathy/weak voice
Pacing control (rushed or too slow)
Blank facial expression
Reduced body language
Difficulty finding the right words (language)

4. What can help? Is there an impact for you?
Look at how any change is impacting upon social participation, self-esteem, independence.
Practice exercises to support:
volume/loudness
speech rate
facial expression
articulation
gesture (pointing)

5. What can help? Support from friends and family Environment advice:
Reducing background noise
Important conversations in the morning
Positioning

6. What can help? Amplifier Volume feedback app. Communication aids:
Pen and paper
Chart
Communication book
Technology
Alternative means
Text/

7. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment
Speech Therapy program specifically for Parkinson’s Disease
Focus on ‘Being Loud’
Self monitoring of volume
Intensive program
16 sessions in a month, 4 sessions per week, daily home practice and functional tasks.

8. Swallow Pre-oral stage Oral stage Pharyngeal stage (throat)
Bringing food/fluid to the mouth
Oral stage
Chewing
Pharyngeal stage (throat)
Oral residue

10. Dysphagia Difficulty eating and drinking
Can cause coughing or discomfort
Less enjoyment
Slow pace
Aspiration
Chest infection/aspiration pneumonia
Medication

11. What can help? Diet modification Fluid modification Utensils
Textures
Chopping food
Extra sauce/gravy
Avoid high risk or mixed consistency foods
Fluid modification
Utensils
Smaller amounts, often
Posture
Timing

12. Drooling/Sialorrhoea
Posture
Swallow reminder badge or App.
Strategies (gum/sugar-free sweet)
Refer on to medical team re: medication or procedures

13. Contact Open referral system
Self-referral, GP, Day hospital, AHP’s, Specialist Parkinson’s Nurse, Consultant.
Queen Margaret Hospital
extn 25954