Speaking with Intention

Changes in speech and swallowing are common in Parkinson's disease (PD), but they can be difficult to recognize without understanding how they may present. These changes often happen because of lower dopamine levels in people with PD, which can make automatic actions- like speaking loud, clear sentences without requiring much thought- more difficult.   Parkinson Voice Project developed the SPEAK OUT! Therapy Program to help people with PD speak and swallow with intention, addressing these challenges.  In the episode, we speak with Samantha Elandary, MA, CCC-SLP, President and Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson Voice Project. She discusses the benefits of working with a Certified SPEAK OUT! Provider, how to identify signs of speech and swallowing difficulties, and offers tips for incorporating these techniques into daily life. Toward the end of the episode, Samantha demonstrates a brief speech exercise that takes just a few minutes but can provide meaningful benefits when practiced consistently and intentionally.  Follow and rate us on your favorite podcast platform to be notified when there's a new episode! Let us know what other topics you would like us to cover by visiting parkinson.org/feedback.