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Katherine Gale wrote:- ""My major is Speech-Language Pathology so I am interested in hearing from any one who has noticed changes in the quality of their speech"" As a young onset sufferer [44 years(4 PD)] I have noticed that my speech has got quieter (stuck at the back of my throat) and also less articulate (due to drugs and dry mouth). People physically move their head to listen and I have to make a concentrated effort to focus my voice. I have been considering speech therapy for some time (I am still active at work and need to assert a presence in meetings and presentations). The latter are hard enough without the "benefit" of PD tremors, etc. At my last visit to the consultant I persuaded him to refer me to the speech therapist. On booking the appointment the Dr asked if I would mind a student being present: no not at all. I went for my first assessment last week and to my surprise the 3rd year student (Leeds University, England) was to carry out the assessment as part of her degree evaluation. I was very impressed! Not only did she put me at ease but her emphasis was on the benefit to young onset PD sufferers of early therapy, to mitigate or alleviated breathing and speech problems later. Having gone along expecting little for my minor speech difficulties I came away with a positive attitude; some notes on relaxation, breath support and control to reinforce the exercises, and a request to come back to discuss progress. I wish Katherine good luck in her studies. Bob Hills Leeds, England [log in to unmask] OLR "Ultimately more complex than any machine ever invented, the brain is the essence of what makes us human. Its blood vessels nourish three pounds of delicate tissue. Its billions of cells mysteriously regulate the body, learn from a lifetime of experiences, and summon the memories and thoughts unique to all of us," Joel Swerdlow, National Geographic, June 1995.