Parkinsons

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 offerings 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

I am currently offering the following services to people with Parkinson’s in Maine:

• Communication Consultation – Understand why and how Parkinson’s affects your communication, receive feedback on your current communication ability, and learn strategies to achieve your communication goals.
• Cognitive Consultation – Understand how Parkinson’s can impact attention, memory, and executive function, and learn strategies to help you participate in daily, meaningful activities.
• Weekly practice group – A small, supportive group co-facilitated by myself and group members with Parkinson’s. There is no cost to participate in this group. However, people who are not current clients will be asked to participate in one consultation (or more as needed) with Katherine to establish familiarity with the strategies used in the group. Please contact me or book a free 15-minute introductory meeting to learn more.

Please note that I no longer offer the SPEAK OUT! program. To find a SPEAK OUT! Provider near you, please visit: https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/program/find-a-provider/

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