Neurológia pre prax 2/2010

Speech disorders in Parkinson’s disease

The issues of speech disorders in Parkinson’s disease (PD) are discussed. The characteristic symptomatology in individual speech areas accompanying hypokinetic dysarthria (HD) is mainly dealt with. The symptomatology of HD is classified in terms of respiration, phonation, and facial musculature. The diagnostic and therapeutic procedures used in speech and language therapy are mentioned which are suitable in patients with PD and reported in the foreign literature as well as, and in particular, those used in our conditions. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) method is dealt with in detail. Diagnosis and therapy of speech disorders is an integral part of a complex approach in PD treatment and may significantly improve the life and self-sufficiency of persons with PD. A lot of the symptoms of speech and communication disorders are common in Parkinson’s disease and a number of PD patients have an impaired quality of life due to impaired communication with others; still, only a small number of persons see a speech therapist for these complaints.

Keywords: Parkinson’s disease, speech disorders, hypokinetic dysarthria, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment.