Therapy Services
Parkinson’s Treatment
According to research, approximately 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) will experience changes in their voice or speech. This may include a soft, monotone, breathy, hoarse voice and unclear articulation. This can be further complicated by differences in cognition, including a decline in memory and attention skills.
Because PD is a condition that affects movement, dysphagia, or trouble chewing and swallowing, is another issue individuals with PD may face. See our Dysphagia Therapy section for more information about the signs and symptoms of dysphagia.
Proclaim offers a variety of treatment options to address speech, cognitive, and swallowing difficulties seen in PD including:
• LSVT LOUD
• SPEAK OUT!
• Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST)
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech
We use the muscles in our face, lips, tongue, throat, and chest (breathing muscles)to talk. When these muscles weaken due to brain/nerve damage, we may experience Dysarthria, a motor speech disorder.
We also need our brains to send movement messages to our mouths to communicate to make speech sounds. Brain damage can cause Apraxia of Speech or difficulty getting the message from the brain to the mouth to make the correct speech sounds.
Language and Communication
Damage to the brain can result in a language disorder called Aphasia. With Aphasia, speaking, understanding others, reading, or writing may be difficult.
Dysphagia / Swallowing Therapy
Difficulty swallowing is a disorder called Dysphagia. Dysphagia may cause reflux, dehydration, malnutrition, and food going down the "wrong pipe, " which may result in "aspiration pneumonia."
According to the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), signs of Dysphagia, or trouble swallowing, may include:
• coughing during or right after eating or drinking
• clearing your throat often after eating or drinking
• having a wet or gurgly voice during or after eating or drinking
• feeling like something is stuck in your throat or chest after eating or drinking
• needing extra work or time to chew or swallow
• having food or liquid leak from your mouth
• food getting stuck in your mouth
• having a hard time breathing after meals
• losing weight
Cognitive Therapy
Cognitive deficits may include difficulty paying attention, remembering things, socializing, solving problems, and critical thinking. Difficulty with cognition can be caused by traumatic brain injury, dementia, or medication side effects, among other sources.
Voice Therapy
There are many different types of voice disorders that one can experience. Some may be temporary, and others may not.
Voice issues may include hoarseness, strained voice, vocal tremors, loss of loudness, and many others. These complications can significantly impact professional and frequent voice users such as teachers, performers, public speakers, and those who work in sales or customer service.
Here at Proclaim, we can evaluate your voice issues and determine if voice therapy is right for you.