Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the brain affecting control of movement.  It often progresses slowly and symptoms can take years to develop. As many as one million Americans and 7-10 million people worldwide live with PD, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Parkinson’s Disease happens when cells that produce one of the brain’s chemical messengers - called dopamine - begins to deteriorate.  Dopamine transports signals to parts of the brain that control movement.  With less dopamine, a person has less ability to regulate their movements, and it can also affect speaking, cognition, and swallowing.

The combination of difficulties with movement, thinking, and speaking can make communication for people with PD extremely frustrating. Many people begin to withdraw from conversations and interacting with their loved ones.

Some people with Parkinson's Disease may find that their voice is slurred, unsteady or quieter than it used to be.  It may also be hard to control the pace of speech - for example - some people may talk more slowly or more quickly than they used to.  The good news is that there is a specialized voice treatment that can dramatically improve the speech problems associated with Parkinson's Disease by learning to speak with INTENT.

Speech Therapy Tacoma is proud to offer

The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program

The SPEAK OUT!® Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project®, teaches people with Parkinson’s to transition speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.

SPEAK OUT!® emphasizes speaking with intent, changing speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. There are many benefits from learning to speak with INTENT, such as increased vocal loudness and speech clarity, increased facial expressions, improved confidence and overall improved quality of communication.

Together, the patient and Speech-Language Pathologist complete voice, speech, and cognitive exercises using a specialized workbook that the Parkinson Voice Project provides free of charge to every person with Parkinson’s who is receiving SPEAK OUT!® therapy.

How is the Program delivered?

• A total of 8-12 individual 1-hour therapy sessions

• 1-3 days a week (depending on availability) for 4 weeks

• More sessions can be added if needed

• Daily homework practice & carryover exercises

Speech Therapy Tacoma offers a special reduced private pay rate for those who qualify for SPEAK OUT!®. Medicare, Regence and Premera are accepted for SPEAK OUT! therapy.

Contact us
for a FREE phone consult

• We will discuss your situation

• Get all your questions answered

• Plan the next steps

There is NO COST or OBLIGATION
for this initial phone call.