The Voice – Mary’s Blog
Speaking, Singing and Parkinson’s: Why can some people do one but not the other?
In my weekly speech class for persons with Parkinson’s (PWP), a member asked why some people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have difficulty speaking and yet, may be able to sing with relative clarity. I hypothesized that one reason is the difference in areas of the...
The 12 Days of PD Speech Therapy: A Christmas Carol
On the 1st day of treatment, a patient said to me I ‘m here for some speech therapy. On the 2nd day of treatment, a patient said to me, my wife can’t hear me, so I’m here for some speech therapy. On the 3rd day of treatment, a patient said to me, I have a problem, my...
You are So Much More than a Diagnosis
I have a telehealth patient that self-referred to me approximately five weeks ago requesting voice treatment for some symptoms related to Parkinson's disease. Each visit, we review progress, and then typically get right to work. I always know a little bit about the...
Running out of Breath? Dyskinesia Can Effect Breathing and Speech in Parkinson’s Disease #4
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...
Resilience: Coping after a Hurricane and events that rock your world.
The last few weeks have been challenging for me, my patients, LOUD Crowd members, and my friends and neighbors living in SW Florida following hurricane Ian. For me, it was the second Category 4 hurricane that has affected the community where I live and work, and to...
Collecting Voice Data at a Distance: VoiceEvalU8
Although I have offered Online Coaching for over 10 years, the onset of the pandemic in 2020, ushered in a whole new world of telehealth, including the ability of patients to access speech therapy treatment from the comfort of their home. Programs that I offer in...
Sometimes Breaking Up is Hard to Do
What are you Willing and ABLE to do? The question above is perhaps the most important questions for a patient who is referred to my practice. Speech therapy is often not easy. It demands commitment, home carry-over practice, and depending on your medical diagnosis,...
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...
Boost Your COREage with Respiratory Muscle Training
Recently I watched the movie Soul Surfer, about a young surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack. Surfers, snowboarders, and professional skateboarders are examples of athletes with incredible core strength. Core muscles improve your balance and stability, and in...
Improving the Feedback Loop in Parkinson’s Disease
“This feels too LOUD.” I feel like I’m shouting. Over the last 30 years of working with individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) I have heard the statements above so many times, that you almost believe that it is one of the hallmark symptoms of PD. Researchers in...
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 