The Voice – Mary’s Blog
Dyskinesia Effects on Breathing, Speech, and Swallowing
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...
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When Anxiety Causes Difficulty Speaking
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,...
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Healthcare Providers and loss: how do we manage our grief?
In August, my mother was unexpectedly hospitalized. Following two major surgeries and a long hospitalization, she passed away from heart failure in December. During her hospitalization in August and the long autumn of recovery, I had the opportunity to experience...
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Dystonia more than just a muscle cramp
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...
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Speech Aids and Devices Can Help Increase and Maintain Communication Abilities
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...
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Speech Practice: Tips for people Too Busy, Too Tired, Too Forgetful to Practice
Over the last few years of owning a busy private practice, I have found it harder to find the time and energy to make it to the gym, so this year I purchased a Total Gym. I’m hoping that having a piece of equipment that provides a comprehensive work-out without...
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Orthostatic Hypotension and Parkinson’s: could sitting up be affecting your memory?
Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is among the most common non-motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) with prevalence reported as high as 53%. Yet, accurate diagnosis and management can often elude patients, who may be sent to a variety of specialists, including...
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Local Author Changes Puree Diet from Slop to Sublime
Individuals with severe swallowing problems (dysphagia) are often advised to modify their diet to a smooth, puree consistency (think mashed potatoes). Now, while you may love your mother’s mashed potatoes, when you imagine everything you eat reduced to that...
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Benefits of a Whole Body Approach to Voice Practice and Parkinson’s
There is general agreement in the voice literature that good, functional posture is fundamental for quality of the human voice, and most people would probably acknowledge that a good voice requires good posture. In fact, when I ask a group of individuals with...
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Falls and cognitive decline risk factors for aspiration pneumonia in Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease that at onset can resemble Idiopathic Parkisnon’s disease. In PSP, however, falls are frequently an early symptom and dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) typically occurs early or by mid-stage disease....
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Mary Spremulli of Voice Aerobics writes a monthly news article in the “Healthy Body” section of Florida Weekly
- July 2018, Healthy Hearing and Speech, cover story – Healthy Body, “Florida Weekly’s monthly guide for healthy people inside and out”
- July 2018 article – Augmented feedback and skill learning help patients recalibrate
Home Programs & Training:
- Voice Aerobics® – 3-Part Workout
- SpeechVive Device for Persons with Parkinson’s
- Lingraphica® Aphasia Communication Device
- Constant Therapy App for aphasia
- Computerized Home Aphasia Therapy Program (CHAT®)
- Passy-Muir® Tracheostomy and Ventilator Swallowing and Speaking Valve
SpeechVive Device for Persons with Parkinson’s
Ask me about your VA benefit for this device!
SPEAK OUT!® Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s patients
Mary Spremulli is Certified in:
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Treatment (LMRVT) Neurodevelopmental Treatment
A Certified Member of 