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Bonnie Cunningham, RN replied in part: > Communication problems, such as those mentioned (speaking, writing, > thinking, typing, organizing thoughts) can indeed be problems associated > with PD. > > Changes in speech and voice are often the first noticable sign of PD. > With PD the muscles in the throat, just as the muscles of the arms and > legs, are affected which results in speech and/or swallowing difficulties. > To improve the quality of the voice and to PREVENT choking, it is > recommended to have an evaluation by a Speech Pathologist who can then > teach you exercises to improve the muscle tone and flexibility of muscles > used for speech and swallowing. FYI, we (NPF) have a new updated (free) > book available on Speech and Swallowing. The book is called "Speaking > Out". To obtain a copy, please call us at 1-800-327-4545. > > With the writing and typing difficulties, these dexterity problems can be > improved, again with certain exercises. Seeking an evaluation from an > occupational therpaist may be beneficial. > > The thought processes can be affected too. Just as important as the > therapies mentioned above (by the way, physical therapy is suggested too), > "exercising" the brain is helpful. Keeping the brain as active as possible > helps stimulate the thought processes. > Hopefully, by doing specific exercises for the specifc problems you have, > you will be able to improve in all these areas and if continued regularly, > maintain status quo for a longer period of time. It is impossible for > anyone to say how rapidly these or any PD problems will progress as each > and every case is different. > > Bonnie Cunningham, R.N. > Patient Services Director > National Parkinson Foundation Bonnie and others, When I attended a Parkinson's Rally in July 98 I was disappointed in the speech therapist who talked to the group. This particular therapist seemed to think that working with Parkinson's patients to improve speech was usually not very successful. The way I understood her reasoning, it was because without continued daily practice, most therapies would quickly show no improvement and then a person is back to the problem again. Is this interpretation correct? Do Parkies need to continually practice the speech or swallowing therapies daily to not see the problems recurring? Thanks for any input you may have on this angle about speech therapy. The occupational therapist was the more upbeat of the two.....showed demonstration by seating herself and the featured neuro on chairs atop the head table how to sit and rise easier from the type of chairs at the rally. Also mentioned home made remedies like taping foam rubber to pens, utensils to make for better grip or a button gripper from a paper clip. Jeanette Fuhr 47/9mo <[log in to unmask]> >