Archive for the Patients and Family Category

Our Down Syndrome LSVT Success Story (Part 2): The Therapist Perspective

I have been exploring the option of using LSVT BIG® with kids for a few years now. I pursued additional referrals from pediatricians since that time and had a lot of interest but just got my first official referral this past summer.  Then I found out it was a 4-year-old boy with Down Syndrome!

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Our Down Syndrome LSVT Success Story (Part 1): The Parent Perspective

My son Wesley completed the 4 week long LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD program this summer.  Wes was 4 years 2 months old at the time.  He has Down syndrome, is nonverbal,
wears AFO leg braces and has glasses.  

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“EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE!”

I was prescribed PT, OT, and Speech Therapy. It was there that I was first taught about LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD. It was there that I also first learned about the importance of exercise and its effect on Parkinson’s.

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“I came to regard exercise as my primary medication.”

Shortly after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2013, my movement disorder specialist suggested LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD®. I think having completed the sixteen sessions of both LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD early on, definitely laid a strong foundation as I came to regard exercise as my primary medication.

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“I’m getting better all the time!”

When I was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease three years ago, my family had noticed a tremor in my right hand and changes in the way that I walked.  I did not, however, notice any changes in my voice. What I did notice more and more, is how often my husband asked me to repeat myself!  I was convinced he was going deaf. 

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“I have grown in confidence”

My name is Kevin, and I have been the headmaster of a large co-ed primary school in Zimbabwe for the past thirty years, ten of which I have had Parkinson’s. In February of 2017, I had Deep Brain Stimulation, and one of the side effects of this was that my speech became slurred and soft. My daughter, who is a speech and language pathologist, recommended that I have LSVT LOUD.

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“LSVT BIG is my miracle!”

LSVT BIG is my miracle! I know now that just as I take my medications on a regular basis, I need to continue with LSVT BIG! I must keep exercising; it is my other new medicine! This is the only way to look at it.

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LSVT renewed my confidence

As a former fighter pilot in the Air Force, editor-in-chief of Better Homes and Gardens, author of more than 25 poems and books, president of the magazine division of Meredith Corporation, and national public speaker and consultant, there is one thing that will not define me- Parkinson’s disease.

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LSVT LOUD was a complete success…

I am a 72-year-old male who was diagnosed with Parkinson disease in 2012. Since then, I have had two experiences with physical therapy, one with occupational therapy (both with mixed results) and the LSVT LOUD program. LSVT LOUD was a complete success and continues to be after nearly four years. When my doctor suggested that I investigate LSVT BIG, I got on your website the next day.

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I have a new lease on life

Horses have always been a big part of my life. In fact, my husband, Jerry, and I have had horses our entire 42-year marriage. So when I started seeing the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in 2005 and was diagnosed in September 2008, I wanted to be sure I’d still be able to do the things I loved: being outside, gardening, and riding my three horses.

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