Author: Bill Abeyta May 21, 2018
Speaking progressively softer is an effect of Parkinson's, but a program called "Speak Out" teaches patients to talk with more intent.
One of the effects of Parkinson's disease is speaking progressively softer. But a new project aims to reverse that.
Speaking with intent is something former history professor David Fulton had to re-learn. Fulton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease about five months ago and found he was losing his voice.
"I never had a problem with it before in the classroom. I never had any difficulty being heard. Without intention, people had been talking over me. It was sort of difficult to feel like what I have to say may not sound important because of the way I was saying it,” explained Fulton.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but Fulton won't let it get the best of him.
He started meeting with a pathologist three times per week for a month, learning to talk with intent through the "Speak Out" program.
Once the program is finished, members move on to weekly maintenance with "The Loud Crowd," as it's called, a room full of people who will not be silenced.
"With exercise, we can significantly delay the progression of the disease. We all have really important things to say throughout our lifetime, and losing the ability to communicate effectively can be very disabling for a person," says Michelle Ruskamp, a speech pathologist.
Fulton says it's hard work, but the program gives him hope for the future with his disease: "There is no cure, but there are things I can do to help myself, and one of those would be to be active in conversations."
Giving voice back to those who will not be silenced.
Parkinson’s Voice Project offers a grant to help hospitals pay for The Loud Crowd.
The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation has a list of regional speech therapy centers where you can renew your voice — loudly.
To watch the video:
https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/parkinsons-patients-speaking-up-to-avoid-growing-silent/281-556825218
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