Learn more about Carol J Walton and the amazing career she has had in raising awareness of Parkinson’s and tirelessly pursuing raising money for research as CEO of The Parkinson Alliance. We here at LSVT Global have truly enjoyed collaborating with you throughout the years and wish you all the best in your new adventure!
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Speech-language pathologist Amy Chrest, MA, CCC-SLP, was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s disease at 48. Nine years later, she’s still practicing, and still learning what her patients have been trying to tell her all along.
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Whether it’s your own child or a child on your caseload—one who’s hard to understand, too soft to be heard, not articulating clearly, or using only a few words—one of the most effective places to begin may be surprisingly simple: their voice. Voice is power source behind every word a child says, and for many children with motor speech disorders it’s an overlooked foundation. Targeting voice directly can help speech become louder, clearer, and easier to understand.
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In our latest episode of Think BIG and LOUD, host Beth Peterson sat down with Dr. Suzana Simoes, Physical Therapist and Director of Rehabilitation services at Florida Pace Centers, to explore a model of care that is quietly transforming how frail older adults stay safe, mobile, and connected in their own communities.
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Most people know that Parkinson’s disease affects movement. What is less widely understood is that Parkinson’s disease also impacts two of the most essential tools of human communication: voice and facial expression.
Hypophonia is a soft or reduced loudness voice. Hypomimia is often described as a ‘masked’ or reduced facial expression’. Combined, these can create significant social barriers that result in isolation, yet, these symptoms of Parkinson’s are not as frequently discussed.
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If you are a speech, physical, or occupational therapist treating people with Parkinson’s or other neurological conditions, you know that great outcomes require more simply taking a continuing education course. You need ongoing access to treatment tools, patient education resources, and fresh clinical ideas to keep therapy engaging and effective over time.
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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be an effective treatment for motor symptoms of patients with Parkinsons, Essential Tremor and Dystonia. However there have been mixed reports in the literature about its effects on speech, and the factors that contribute to speech changes post DBS.
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Receiving a Parkinson’s diagnosis can feel overwhelming and life changing. For many patients, hearing that it is a progressive disorder brings fear, discouragement, and a sense of hopelessness. In my experience working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, I have seen how easy it is for people to believe there is nothing they can do to improve their quality of life. But I have also witnessed something incredibly powerful hope restored through action.
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In recognition of ASHA’s National Speech Language Hearing Month, we sat down with Jen Walentas Lewon — clinical associate professor, LSVT LOUD practitioner, and self-described “consumer of voices” — to talk about what it means to do this work well.
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When you or someone you love is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the search for help begins immediately. You talk to other people with Parkinson’s. You join support groups. You ask your neurologist. You search online. And over time, a list of recommendations begins to take shape including exercise programs, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, medications, and more.
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