Finding Your Voice with Parkinson’s

By: Melodie Look, SLP

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support those living with Parkinson’s disease while increasing awareness about resources that can improve quality of life.

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, I work with individuals who experience changes in their voice, speech, and swallowing due to Parkinson’s disease. These symptoms are common, but therapy can help. With targeted exercises, lifestyle changes, and specialized treatment programs, many people can improve their communication and swallowing function.

One effective therapy is the LSVT LOUD® program. At Boone County Health Center (BCHC), we offer this evidence-based treatment designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The goal of LSVT LOUD is to improve vocal loudness, speech intelligibility, and voice quality, while also supporting gains in swallowing function.

The program is individualized and consists of 16 one-on-one therapy sessions, along with daily homework and practice exercises to reinforce progress. If you are interested in participating, please talk with your doctor about a referral. The program is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans.

After completing the LSVT LOUD program, participants are eligible to join the LOUD for LIFE® exercise class, which helps maintain the vocal improvements achieved during therapy.

LOUD for LIFE is an in-person group class designed to help individuals maintain the vocal improvements achieved during therapy. Participants practice LSVT LOUD voice exercises and engage in activities that encourage active communication. Because the class is not a skilled therapy service, insurance is not billed. The cost is $5 per session, and the first session is free.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact me at (402) 395-3187.