Speech issues

[Kt088]

Does anyone have any significant speech problems, if so, how are you managing? I’ve thought about teaching my family sign language or making up cue cards as they can’t hear me and I’ve run into trouble just trying to get the words out and have them be understood. It also seems to be affected more when my meds are working, or when I’m on. Thanks

[MBAnderson]

Speech therapy for yourself might be easier than teaching everyone sign language.

I think this young lady is pretty good. Dr. Sarah King (Invigorate)is a physical therapist for Parkinson's.

invigoratept.com/blog/the-p...

there are several good, free videos on YouTube about Parkinson's speech therapy. I went thru a speech therapy program at the VA and found it very helpful. The YouTube videos teach the same stuff and they are free.

Keeping your voice strong is the same as keeping any other muscle strong, i.e., it's something you have to strengthen and then continuously work at.

[PrayN4aCure in reply to MBAnderson]

Can you possibly post a link as an example?

[gwendolinej]

My husband's voice is clearer and louder since

he started on the mannitol.

Have you tried the B1 protocol.

Just don't do them together...speaking from experience. You need to know exactly what's working.

[Hidden]

How old are you now, and how old were you when you were diagnosed?

[Kt088 in reply to Hidden]

I’m 63 and was dx’ed when I was 53

[Hikoi]

Hi K1i2t3

Speach problems are really debilitating, i feel for you. Have you seen a speech language pathologist? The most well known treatment is LSVT loud and also attending a neurological choir may help. My friend with very unclear speech taps on the table with each word and that slows him down and hence makes it clearer. Getting the word out is yet another problem. I have met pd people who stutter badly. I dont knnow the answer for that. I really think aspeech therapist is your best approach.

[rhyspeace12]

My daughter is a speech therapist and i have definitely heard how much it can help with speech and trouble swallowing.

[Oceanflow]

Besides doing speech therapy, I find singing in a choir useful. I also discovered my own strange technique; to speak in a character voice - especially a slow southern drawl or an English accent, which slows me down and helps me enunciate.

[Dap1948]

I started having problems with my voice and my swallow becoming unreliable. I now sing along with the radio/CD/download everyday for ten minutes. My voice is strong again and I have a safe swallow. I discuss the problem and back it up with published research in my book "Music as medicine, particularly in Parkinson’s." available on amazon!

[jimo2017]

yes i have speech problem too . one time i wouldnt shut up now iam afraid to open up because of my lack of communication skill

[Parkiewife]

My husband has pd for 25 years now (was 31 when started).

He’s had LSVT training, collage injections in his vocal cords, and botox injections in his jaw area.

I bought him a voice amplifier. This worked out great for a day, but now he refuses to use it. I only paid $20 from Amazon and it’s rechargeable with USB connection.

So it’s back to the drawing room.

God bless you on your journey!

[JohnPepper]

Hi . I have been able to overcome my speech problem by concentrating on the way I speak, as well as concentrating on what I saying.

I have used this same technique with bad walking, bringing food to me mouth, posture, writing, Facial muscle control and to a certain extent, tremors.

I have been doing all this since 2002. I no longer need Pd medication either.

[Hikoi in reply to JohnPepper]

What speech problem did or do you have John?

[JohnPepper in reply to Hikoi]

Hi Hikoi

I had several problems:

1. Speaking too fast and jumbling up the words

2. Accessing words

3. Stuttering

4. Faint, hardly audible

[Hikoi in reply to JohnPepper]

Fascinating. In the many years I have read your postings I have never heard you mention speech problems.

[fifthbird]

If it's any help, I just learned that The Parkinson's Voice Project, based in Texas, is offering daily speech "workouts" on their Facebook page. Monday - Friday at 8am PDT. But recordings from previous days are available on the page, too, so you can do the practice at any time. I haven't done this myself. Just passing along a potential tip! facebook.com/ParkinsonVoice...

[Drungarius]

You might like to have a look at red light therapy, I have had good results using this, including for speech issues.

I wrote about my experience in this thread:

healthunlocked.com/parkinso...

[Art_lover45]

Chew gum.

[sharron2]

My husband has trouble with his voice and swallowing. LSVT voice therapy has really helped him. He must keep up with the practice to maintain his swallowing and voice, but it has really helped. Check it out.