Question about stuttering

[pdpatient]

Hi friends,

Anyone with speech issues - can you please share your experience with this wretched symptom?

I have a range of issues from festinating speech to stuttering and anywhere in between. I have been trying to get an appointment with an SLP practitioner and it has been difficult to find one accepting Medicare and new patients.

One thing I am sure of, based on the lived experiences of some forum members who got DBS, it doesn't eliminate speech issues. In fact, it actually exacerbates speech issues. DBS has been offered as a possible though not guaranteed solution to the speech problem, which is why I made the observation.

So again, please share your experiences with speech issues that you might have had or currently have either from the perspective of the patient or the caregiver.

[mitochondria]

Hi pdpatient

1. Diaphragmatic breathing exercises (PD itself and PD medicines, and DBS too, affect both external and internal muscles)

“The diaphragm is a primary muscle for breathing and plays a crucial role in supporting speech by providing airflow to the vocal cords. Diaphragmatic breathing, which involves using the diaphragm to inhale, results in deeper, more relaxed breathing, enhancing vocal power and efficiency. “

I follow this PD exercise book/booklet called “Pressing Reset for the Parkinson’s Warrior” for diaphragmatic breathing, (also eye and head movement, rolling, rocking, crawling - the five developmental movements we go through as children) contributed by a coach specializing in PD and Senior fitness, featuring pictures of a 76 year old PD patient. There are chair versions of the exercises for those with limitations. Book costs only USD 5 on amazon.

2. Zinc supplementation:

My family consulted a functional medical expert for my child’s speech issues a few years back. The doctor took a variety of blood, urine and hair tests and said it would take a couple of months for results but in the meantime do only one change – start with zinc as all children with speech issues, no exceptions - are deficient in Zinc. We walked out of her office with a Kirkman zinc liquid bottle. Sure enough, there was good improvement before the second appointment itself. Below are a couple of PD studies on Zinc deficiency with Levodopa, if you are interested.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...

frontiersin.org/journals/ag...

Hope you find this useful.

[Esperanto in reply to mitochondria]

Regarding the fascinating information about zinc deficiency in both individuals who stutter and those with PD it is quite tempting to draw a connection between the two. However, after some quick research, it appears that there is currently no strong scientific evidence linking developmental stuttering—which originates in childhood—to an increased risk of developing PD later in life. The stuttering associated with PD, known as palilalia, is typically acquired or neurogenic and emerges after the onset of PD symptoms, particularly in the later stages. This acquired form of stuttering is viewed as a symptom or manifestation of PD rather than a risk factor for its development.

[chartist]

This article may be of interest to you :

sciencedirect.com/science/a....

Art

[NuroMod]

Hi, You may try to purchase the Beech Band cos stuttering was the 'first' condition that the wearable device that had immediate impact.

[DogsWoode in reply to NuroMod]

That's my understanding too and I've been following it....Beech Band.

[park_bear]

I experience these kinds of problems if I'm in too much of a hurry to get the words out. If this occurs I need to remind myself to slow down. Similar to my mantra that walking correctly is more important than walking quickly.

[jeeves19]

Don’t have DBS for speech issues.. it’ll exacerbate your current problems..

[pdpatient in reply to jeeves19]

Thanks. It seems like overkill.

[jenniferdunstan]

I have moments when no speech at all comes out ! Very scary. I hope to have zSinumet replaced with a new infusion drug this year.

[7AnneMac7]

pdpatient, th

[7AnneMac7]

pdpatient, there is help.

If you are able to use a computer, parkinsonvoiceproject.org has daily online Speech exercises. Also, a list of providers who will work with you online.

I’m a provider and have worked with PwP since my husband was diagnosed in 2013.

DBS research shows 70%+ will experience speech difficulties within a few years of surgery. My experience in my practice is that this is true. Rapid rate, mumbling, stuttering can happen post surgery.

There is help at Parkinson Voice Project online.

[pdpatient in reply to 7AnneMac7]

Thank you for the lead.

[park_bear in reply to 7AnneMac7]

I use speech to text because it is easier for me than typing. It is a kind of therapy because it forces me to enunciate loudly and clearly.