Behavioral speech therapy interventions for individuals with Parkinson’s disease typically focus on increasing the amplitude of voice and speech production. Most patients’ typical response to an increase in loudness during the early weeks of therapy is almost always a...
I have been wondering what it is about exercising that so many people resist. From time to time I have patients look me squarely in the eye and admit that it’s unlikely they will perform any recommended exercise once they leave my office. Now, while I appreciate...
Dyskinesia (uncontrolled involuntary movements that can look like fidgeting or swaying of arms, legs, oral-facial, or trunk muscles) are unfortunately a common experience for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dyskinesia are associated with long term use of...
At last week’s weekly speech class, The LOUD Crowd, I asked each of the members to share a communication challenge and a goal for improvement. Interestingly, 6/12 people reported “anxiety” as a major contributor to their speech and communication difficulties. Anxiety,...
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by persistent or intermittent muscle contractions causing abnormal, movements, postures, or both. Dystonia can be idiopathic, often running in families, and occurring without an associated medical or neurological disease...
Many years ago, early in my career, there was an argument that existed, that if a deaf child was taught sign language, it would be a disincentive to speak. One only has to spend some time with deaf adults to see that they communicate using all of the tools available...
