Speech Therapy.

[AmandaF]

My mother was diagnosed with PSP this month, (although she received a Parkinson's diagnosis three years previously).

She now speaks pretty much only when spoken to and rarely initiates conversation, but her diction is good and I want to investigate ways to keep it that way for as long as possible. Does anybody have experience of speech therapy for PSP sufferers?

Thank you in advance.

Amanda.

[CateT]

Hi Amanda,

My mother was given voice exercises to do by a speech therapist. I am sure they would have helped, but it was difficult to ensure that she did them regularly because of the apathy that comes with PSP. Hopefully you can get your mum into a routine and into the habit of doing them.

Cate

[Peter3]

Hi AmandaF,

My husband will never initiate a conversation unless he wants something, his voice is very soft and diction at times is poor. He has been receiving speech therapy for about 6 months. I think it has helped with voice volume. Currently he is part of a small conversation group run by the speech therapist. Again I'm not sure of the benefit, however, he does have to make conversation during each session.

The speech therapist has also helped with the swallowing difficulties my husband has at times. Overall, I think it is worthwhile having speech therapy.

Best wishes to you and your mother.

Peter3

[AmandaF]

Thank you both for your advice. I will try to organise some therapy for my mother. She is quite keen to do it because she is dreading losing the ability to speak.

This board is so helpful - thank you.

Amanda.

[jimandsharynp]

In the USA there is a course called Lee Silverman Voice Training. You can order the DVD and it will give you excercises to do to improve volume and voice overall. My wife has the DVD which is excellent but she doesn't use it. It did help when she was using it. The exercises on the DVD are those most speech therapists would use to improve voice, I believe. Good luck!

[AmandaF]

Thanks again for the practical advice. I'll look into it today.

Best wishes to you both.

Amanda.