Communication and Swallowing in Parkinson's Disease (2020)

Sherri Zelazny, MA RSLP CCC-SLP, speech-language pathologist, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT)® certified clinician and Parkinson Society BC Board member stresses early engagement with rehab therapists. Parkinson's disease can cause swallowing issues like tongue pumping and residue, often leading to coughing and choking.

Evaluations, both clinical and instrumental, help identify and manage these problems. Communication problems, known as hypokinetic dysarthria, result in reduced loudness and articulation difficulties, which can be improved through treatments like LSVT focusing on increasing volume.

The webinar emphasizes using one's voice through activities like singing and acting to enhance communication and swallowing. It recommends consulting specialized speech-language pathologists, highlights the importance of LSVT certification, and mentions resources like the modified barium swallow for evaluations and tools such as the ROMP questionnaire and speech therapy apps for support.

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.**