Parkinson’s disease damages the nervous system, and like other motor system disorders, it affects nearly every facet of life.

One of the rarely-discussed symptoms of Parkinson’s that can have a profound impact on quality of life is speech loss.

Parkinson’s disease can soften the voice as well as make it difficult to enunciate. As a result, many people with this symptom withdraw and gradually avoid speech altogether, further isolating people who may already feel marginalized by this disease.

Loss of the ability to communicate complicates treatment and can exacerbate depression, a condition that is associated with Parkinson’s. Source: pixabay.comJenny Davis is a speech language pathologist in Washington state who also happens to have Parkinson’s disease.

Her diagnosis was a tough blow, but Davis found a silver lining. Experiencing the disease firsthand gave her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by those with the disease, particularly the loss of vocalization. One of her patients, Kent Tucker, expressed his frustration at not even being able to order food from a drive-through window:

“I’d have to yell at the top of voice and they still couldn’t hear me.”

Davis uses her background in speech pathology as well as her intimate knowledge of the realities of Parkinson’s, treating her patients with a combination of one-on-one speech therapy and group exercises. Her work is part of a voice therapy program called SPEAK OUT!, which is offered at the Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Washington.

Members of SPEAK OUT! find the camaraderie and solidarity inspirational. They celebrate one another’s progress and provide encouragement.

Davis takes the group through a variety of exercises designed to strengthen different aspects of vocal communication, including:

• articulation
• fluency
• prosody
• volume

Group members practice holding notes, like “aaah,” for increasing lengths of time and at varying levels of volume. This builds up lung stamina and helps retrain the vocal cords. They also count and read aloud, reciting from documents such as the Gettysburg Address.

These exercises don’t just help develop vocal skills, they also boost members’ confidence. By practicing in front of a non-judgmental and supportive group, they feel more secure in speaking to others outside therapy.

Speech therapy is just one aspect of treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but it’s one that can have a significant payoff.

If you or someone you know has vocal loss due to Parkinson’s, seek out a group like the one run by Davis. Specialized speech therapy programs are available throughout the country. Ask your physician or a member of your nearest Parkinson’s support group for recommendations. You can contact the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation for more information, or try asking your fellow Patient Worthy readers for advice below!