At True Self Speech Therapy, our commitment to comprehensive care for Parkinson's Disease (PD) extends beyond addressing speech difficulties. We understand the intricate relationship between cognitive impairments and communication challenges in PD. That's why we integrate cognitive tasks into our tailored speech treatment plans to provide holistic support to our patients.
Parkinson's Disease can significantly impact various cognitive domains, affecting working memory, attention, executive control, and more. Studies have shown that cognitive changes can intricately intertwine with speech difficulties, influencing the overall communication abilities of individuals with PD. Recognizing this connection, we've designed our therapy sessions to address these intertwined challenges effectively.
How Cognitive Tasks Aid Speech Therapy Our approach goes beyond traditional speech therapy techniques. We incorporate cognitive tasks targeting specific areas affected by PD-related cognitive changes. These tasks are carefully selected to enhance cognitive abilities while simultaneously addressing speech and language goals. By integrating these tasks, we aim to:
Improve Communication: Cognitive tasks aid in addressing difficulties such as pauses, abandoned thoughts, and misalignment between facial expressions and emotional intent during communication.
Enhance Cognitive Function: Working on cognitive tasks simultaneously supports cognitive function, which in turn positively impacts speech and language skills.
Boost Confidence: As individuals see improvements in their cognitive abilities alongside speech enhancements, it often leads to increased confidence during communication, contributing to an improved quality of life.
Tailored Treatment Plans At True Self Speech Therapy, we understand that each individual with PD presents unique challenges. That's why our therapy plans are meticulously customized to address specific cognitive and speech needs. We work closely with patients to develop personalized strategies that encompass cognitive exercises, language tasks, and targeted speech therapy techniques.
Supporting Research and Evidence Our approach is rooted in the latest research that emphasizes the interaction between cognitive impairments and communication difficulties in PD. This was recently highlighted in Chapter 7 of “Progress in Brain Research”, titled: Speech dysfunction, cognition, and Parkinson's disease. We continually update our practices to incorporate evidence-based methods that have shown efficacy in improving both cognitive and speech outcomes for individuals with Parkinson's Disease.
Partnering for Better Outcomes We believe in a collaborative approach. We encourage open communication with patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals involved in their care. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive and coordinated effort to address all facets of the condition, fostering better overall outcomes.
At True Self Speech Therapy, we're dedicated to providing a supportive environment where individuals with Parkinson's Disease can enhance their communication skills while simultaneously addressing cognitive changes. Our goal is to empower our patients to regain confidence and independence in their daily interactions.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards comprehensive speech therapy tailored for Parkinson's Disease.
Rohl A, Gutierrez S, Johari K, Greenlee J, Tjaden K, Roberts A. "Speech dysfunction, cognition, and Parkinson's disease". Prog Brain Res. 2022;269(1):153-173. doi: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2022.01.017. Epub 2022 Feb 9.