Speech Therapy and Parkinson’s: Do You Believe in Magic?

Merriam Webster defines magic as: the use of means (such as charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces. To produce, remove, or influence by magic. Patients who come to my private practice with a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis may be newly...

Aspiration the Boogieman of Dysphagia: What You Should Know

From time to time, a patient comes to me for treatment of their dysphagia (swallowing problem), but they have undergone a video-swallow study elsewhere. The disadvantage to me in those circumstances, is that I do not have access to the actual video to review. A...

Speech Therapy Goals: Mine or Yours?

At the onset of any therapy whether for speech, swallowing or both, I am required to establish a treatment plan which includes short- and long-term goals which include a time frame for attainment, such as 30 or 60 days. Treatment goals are based in part on my initial...

Tribute to PD Advocate Kate Kelsall and Prayer to St. Blaise

This post is published each year in February, as a memory of my dear friend, Kate Kelsall. A blogger, a wife, a dear friend, and my muse. She taught me so much about living with Parkinson’s as she lived each day with determination, purpose, and her dancing...

Speech, Swallowing, and Parkinson’s: How Much Do You Know?

Speech and Swallowing symptoms are common in Parkinson’s disease, yet, many patients fail to recognize or report problems due in part to their subtle onset. This week I’ve given you a fun way to increase your knowledge. Find the words in the puzzle and...