You have received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, and your life and your loved one’s lives are forever changed because of a progressive neurological disease. Some of the early signs of Parkinson’s Disease include tremor, small handwriting, loss of smell, trouble sleeping, trouble moving or walking, constipation, a soft or lower voice, masked face, dizziness or fainting, and stooping or hunching over (Parkinson’s Foundation, 2024). The good news is there are evidence-based therapies that we know can help! It is recommended that you may need speech and swallow therapy at some point to address speech, voice, swallowing, and cognitive changes because of the progression of Parkinson’s.

At Idaho Speech & Swallow Services, we have a passion for helping individuals with Parkinson’s Disease and their families. I grew up watching my great grandfather Popeye live with Parkinson’s. As much as I loved the cool wooden cane he used to steady his balance, I felt helpless and knew I wanted more for him. My profession has allowed me to specialize in this area and help individuals with Parkinson’s and their families become empowered with knowledge to take charge of their care.

The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program, developed by Parkinson Voice Project, teaches people with Parkinson’s and related neurological disorders to transition speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. Speaking with intent bypasses the neuropathways impaired by Parkinson’s disease (extrapyramidal system) and results in a stronger, clearer voice. The practice tasks can also strengthen the muscles used in swallowing, lessening the risk of aspiration which is common with Parkinson’s disease.

SPEAK OUT! Therapy combines education for patients and families with individual speech therapy, a specialized workbook, weekly speech and singing groups, daily home practice, and re-evaluations every three to six months. People with Parkinson’s who adhere to the SPEAK OUT! protocol have been shown to maintain improvement for 12+ years and counting. Those who complete that program report improvement in their speaking, their ability to be heard, and their overall quality of life.

We provide individualized assessments and therapy to work towards your goals. Those interested in this therapy (which is covered by insurance) must first get a script from their doctor for a speech evaluation. We look forward to helping you live with intent!