The Health Services Authority (HSA) has launched a speech therapy programme for people living with early to moderate Parkinson’s disease.
The SPEAK OUT! Therapy Programme is now available through the HSA Therapy Services Department.
Developed by the non-profit Parkinson Voice Project, the programme is designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders improve their ability to speak and swallow.
In a press release on 22 July, the HSA said the programme focuses on increasing vocal volume, articulation, breath support, vocal quality, intonation, facial expression and swallowing function.
It combines patient education, individual therapy sessions, group SPEAK OUT! classes and daily home practice to support long-term communication and swallowing.
The authority said communication problems affect between 75% and 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease during the course of the condition.
One of the most common complications is dysarthria, a motor speech disorder that can cause quieter speech, reduced vocal volume and a monotone voice.
The HSA said family members and carers often report that patients sound as though they are mumbling or are difficult to understand.
Swallowing problems also become more common as the disease progresses.
According to the authority, about 80% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop dysphagia, which can lead to malnutrition, dehydration and aspiration pneumonia.
Speech language therapist Faith Gealey-Rochez said these communication and swallowing difficulties can affect many aspects of daily life.
“Many patients describe feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression because others struggle to understand them” she said.
“Due to the sensory deficit component of Parkinson’s disease, patients are often unaware that they are speaking softly or unclearly.”
She said the programme teaches patients to “speak with intent”, helping them recognise changes in their speech while improving vocal loudness and speech precision.
“The programme has a positive impact on both the loudness and clarity of speech, helping patients maintain confident, functional and independent communication skills throughout their lifespan,” she said.
Unlike traditional speech therapy, the HSA said SPEAK OUT! is built around intentional speech and intrinsic motivation.
It is designed to help patients bypass the brain’s impaired extrapyramidal system and activate the pyramidal system, improving control of speech and motor movements.
The authority said the programme adds to neurological rehabilitation services already offered by its Therapy Services Department.
Patients interested in the programme are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider or neurologist and request a referral for SPEAK OUT! speech therapy services.
