Parkinson’s Disease

Lee Silverman Voice Therapy (LSVT)

Speech therapy can improve the lives of patients with Parkinson disease (PD) and other neurological conditions. For people living with these disorders, speech impairments are a daily struggle. Virtually every person (89%) with PD will have problems with speech that start early in the disease process and that progressively diminish their quality of life. Common speech problems include: soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech, hoarse voice

While medicine and neurosurgery may dramatically improve other symptoms of PD, the most effective way to improve speech quality is through speech therapy. The evidence-based program, LSVT LOUD™, has helped many individuals with PD and speech problems, giving them new hope for improved communication at work, home and social activities.  

What is LSVT LOUD and how does it work?

LSVT LOUD is therapy that can improve both the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson disease by treating underlying physical pathology associated with the disordered voice.  Treatment focuses on improving vocal loudness and immediate carry-over into daily communication enabling patients to maintain or improve oral communication.

Who administers LSVT LOUD and what does it involve?

LSVT LOUD is administered by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist trained specifically by LSVT Global. This program is designed to be administered on an intensive schedule of 16 individual, 60-minute sessions in one month’s time. The individual sessions are 1 hour in length and exercises are given as homework.  Your active participation (attendance to all 16 sessions and homework completion) is essential to derive maximum benefit.

What kind of benefit can I expect?

Research has shown that 90% percent of clients improve vocal loudness from pre to post-treatment. About 80% of clients maintain treatment improvements in their voice 1-2 years after treatment. The results of the treatment last up to 2 years, making LSVT LOUD the “gold standard” in treating speech disorders for people with PD.

What happens if I miss a session or choose to discontinue treatment earlier than planned?

We understand that clients may have to miss a session due to unforeseen circumstances. It is important to reschedule these sessions as soon as possible as it is the increased frequency and intensity of these sessions that are the key to LSVT LOUD results. Full benefit can only be achieved if the full 16-session program is completed.

How can I find out more about LSVT LOUD?

Please contact us for a complimentary telephone consultation with one of our Speech-Language Pathologists to determine if this evidenced-based program may be right for you.

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