Therapy for Parkinson's Disease

During 8 years of working with people with Parkinson's disease (PD), each one has been unique. People often ask me how they compare to others with PD and I tell them everyone is different! With PD, one may experience difficulty with clear speech, a low volume, hoarse voice, swallowing trouble, word finding issues, memory or concentration changes, dry mouth, or drooling. People often experience a combination of these impairments in addition to other physical impairments such as gait and balance concerns, vision changes, digestive issues, and more.

Therapy is a helpful option for people in all stages of PD. Early in the disease, even before you may be experiencing some of these difficulties, it can be beneficial to get education and information from speech, physical, and occupational therapists regarding strategies and what to expect. Getting this information early on can help better manage your impairments. As the disease progresses, you may need "refresher" courses of therapy to address new symptoms and learn new strategies.

Talk to your PCP or neurologist about therapy and how it can help you. Catch up on the latest information through the Parkinson's Foundation, The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, and The Parkinson's Voice Project.