Did you know that Parkinson’s Disease can affect communication?

Characteristics of speech in people with Parkinson’s Disease include:

• reduced voice volume (for example, a soft/quiet voice)
• hoarseness
• trailing off at the ends of sentences
• inconsistent voice production
• monotone pitch

People with Parkinson’s Disease may not notice these changes in their own voice. In fact, it may be a family member rather than the person themself who first notices the communication change.

Parkinson’s can also cause cognitive changes, particularly with executive function skills. Read this article from the Parkinson’s Foundation to learn more.

A Different Kind of Support

In the beginning of my practice, I provided the speech therapy component of the SPEAK OUT!® program for people living with Parkinson’s.

While the structured program was valuable, I found that the ongoing practice groups were where I could really get to know people, build meaningful connections, and personalize support to their indivdual communication needs over time.

That experience helped shape my practice today.

My Parkinson’s coaching and communication groups are a place to practice your communication skills, stay engaged, and build confidence. Rather than following a one-size-fits-all program, I focus on the individual: what you and/or your partner is noticing, what matters to you, and how we can keep communication strong in your everyday life.

Find Your Voice Today with Lotus Speech & Wellness

We are currently offering the following services to people with Parkinson’s in Maine:

• Communication Coaching
• Executive Function Coaching
• Weekly practice group

Please join us by signing up below:

*If you haven’t yet participated in individual speech therapy with Katherine,
please contact us using this form before signing up for this practice group.

Katherine Noyes, MS, CCC-SLP, CBIS
Email: Katherine@LotusSLP.com
Phone: (207) 405-3496