Parkinson’s Disease affects the coordination, timing and force characteristics of the muscles used for speech and voice. It is estimated that 75% of individuals with PD experience changes in speech and voice at some point throughout the disease progression. The same physical symptoms that occur in the limbs, such as reduced movement, rigidity and tremor, affect speech. (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®, SPEAK OUT!®, Voice therapy)
Just as the muscles of speech and voice are affected by Parkinsonism, the swallowing and cough muscles are also greatly affected by the disease. In fact, some claim that 100% of people with Parkinson’s disease will develop some sort of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty). It is essential that dysphagia be properly evaluated and treated because it can result in life threatening consequences like aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition, and/or dehydration. We now also know that cough can become impaired in people with PD. Cough and swallowing are closely related and a strong/effective cough is important for keeping food and liquid out of the airway. (Swallow Therapy, Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) it is categorized as respiratory muscle strength training (RMST).
Speech-language pathologists also evaluate and treat difficulties with language production. Language difficulties are not as common in Parkinson’s disease, but can occur, particularly with other Parkinsonian disorders. These may include difficulties thinking of the words you want to use, forming complete sentences, or even difficulties in the comprehension of language. There are various standardized tests that are given to evaluate language function and Speech-Pathologists also have ways of treating these deficits.
William "Bill" Damelio M.S., CCC-SLP is licensed in the state of Florida as a speech and language pathologist and is a LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT! certified clinician. He holds a master's degree from Nova Southeastern University and holds the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC). William specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex neurological cases, involving speech, voice, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. William also volunteers and lectures at various Parkinson's disease support groups and events. William works closely with Parkinson's specialists in other skilled disciplines such as physical and occupational therapists that have extensive experience working with patients with Parkinson's Disease and their families or caregivers.
Speech-Language Pathologist William "Bill" Damelio, M.S., CCC-SLP, holds an advanced certification from the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) program, a one-on-one behavioral treatment that is customized to the unique communication goals of each individual. He also is certified in a voice therapy program called SPEAK OUT!, developed by the Parkinson Voice Project. This program can help Parkinson’s disease patients regain their ability to communicate according to a new studies. The primary goals of SPEAK OUT! are to strengthen the muscles used for speaking and swallowing and to teach patients how to speak with intent. Emphasis is on speaking with intent! (like you really mean it!). He is also trained in Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) it is categorized as respiratory muscle strength training (RMST). The use of EMST has been shown to improve voluntary cough function and minimize the risk of aspiration following a training regimen of EMST.
"Communication seems to be the main concern of Parkinson’s disease patients and their families" , "People with Parkinson’s can make such good progress in a short amount of time with the right therapy"
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