September Symposium: Language Impairment (2021)

During this webinar, Jamie Russell, a speech-language pathologist, addressed the complex interplay between language impairment and cognitive decline in Parkinson's disease, emphasizing the diverse expressions of speech pathology, communication challenges, and swallowing difficulties. Notable speech alterations, such as slurred speech and word retrieval issues, alongside swallowing problems, were identified as common issues significantly impacting the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's.

The talk outlined the various cognitive and communication changes prevalent in Parkinson's, ranging from breathiness and monotone speech to memory lapses and executive function impairment, underscoring the necessity of consulting a speech-language pathologist for comprehensive evaluation and intervention. Effective communication strategies discussed during the session included minimizing distractions, utilizing visual aids, and fostering independence. Encouraging referrals to specialized speech pathologists through movement disorders clinics, the discussion also addressed the importance of addressing throat-clearing difficulties, highlighting the role of speech-language pathologists in managing such issues effectively.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**