Improving communication for those living with Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can affect a person’s communication abilities.

Close to 90% of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease experience voice disorders, 45% experience articulation problems and 20% experience fluency disorders (Moya-Gale & Levy, 2019).

These difficulties can affect a person’s intelligibility (capability of being understood or comprehended), which can in turn significantly impact on their participation in social settings, lead a person to withdraw from social activities and cause feelings of embarrassment and frustration. 

MSWA team of experienced Speech Pathologists provide assessment and treatment to those who present with variety of communication difficulties and across a range of severities.   

The most common Speech Pathology intervention for Parkinson’s disease is loudness. People living with Parkinson’s disease have reduced vocal volume through a combination of reduced breath support, laryngeal change and impaired self-perception. Targeting loudness involves addressing these three areas. The most common therapy approach to target loudness for those living with Parkinson’s disease is the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)-LOUD 

For those who have lost the ability to communicate verbally, MSWA Speech Pathologist can assist them with exploring other mode of communication (such as the use of a text to speech app, low- or high-tech communication devices) to support them in continuing to be an independent communicator in the absence of verbal speech.  

Our regional and Perth-based Speech Pathologists provide services across Western Australia. Services can be provided at a location convenient for you including your home, at one of our services centres or via Telehealth. 

LSVT LOUD is an evidence-based, standardised treatment approach which has shown to improve the communication abilities of those living with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. Research has shown that LSVT LOUD can: 

• Increase vocal loudness.
• Improve breath support.
• Improve articulation and speech intelligibility.
• Improve intonation.
• Improve vocal quality. 

LSVT LOUD has shown to benefit those who present with a range of communication impairments and across a range of severities.  

LSVT Loud is an intensive, specific and repetitive treatment approach. Therapy consists of: 

• 16 x 1-hour sessions, 4 consecutive days of the week for 4 weeks.
• Daily homework and carry over exercises.
• Personalised communication activities and goals. 

Exercises are progressively built around short phrases, sentences and paragraphs, working up to general conversation.  

Sessions can be delivered in person or via Telehealth.  

LSVT LOUD can only be delivered by a LSVT LOUD certified Speech Pathologist. MSWA Speech Pathology team have undertaken additional training and are certified to deliver LSVT LOUD. 

We know that everyone’s communication needs and goals are different. Our team has experience in assisting with Parkinson’s disease speech problems and can provide 

• Individualised communication assessments.
• Individualised therapy sessions, focusing on functional communication goals that are important to you.
• Support with trialling and selecting assistive technology to support communication.
• Support and education to families and carers regarding communication strategies. 

Our speech therapy services are tailored to meet your communication needs and at each stage of your journey with Parkinson’s disease. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have noticed changes to your communication abilities overtime - we are committed in supporting you to improve and maintain your communication abilities. 

Article referenced: Parkinson’s disease-associated dysarthria: prevalence, impact and management strategies. Research and Reviews in Parkinsonism Gemma Moya-Galé, Erika S Levy