Parkinson’s Therapies Subject Of Upcoming Talk

March 13, 2019

Two therapists affiliated with Muenster Memorial Hospital will describe treatments for people with Parkinson’s disease during a guest presentation next week at the Stanford House in Gainesville.

On Monday, March 18, speech language pathologist Ranee Endres and physical therapist Allison Haffey will address the Cooke County Parkinson’s Support Group, which meets at 1 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Stanford House, 401 W. Garnett St.

Ranee Endres

They’ll talk about two therapies developed by Dr. Lorraine Ramig of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. One is called LOUD and trains people with Parkinson’s to use their voice at a more normal volume. The other therapy, BIG, trains Parkinson’s patients to use their body more normally, including fine motor tasks such as buttoning a shirt or more general motor skills like remaining balanced while walking.

LSVT LOUD treatment has been studied for more than 25 years, according to a press release from Muenster Memorial Hospital. Much of the research has focused on its efficacy for people with moderate stages of the disease. It has recently shown promise for adults with speech issues arising from stroke or multiple sclerosis and for children with cerebral palsy or Down syndrome, according to the release.

Allison Haffey

LSVT therapies typically take four weeks of intense work, the release indicated. Both Endres and Haffey are certified as LSVT therapists.

The Parkinson’s Support Group is moderated by Jalise Middleton of Angels Care Home Health. For more information on the group, contact Middleton at 817-269-9352 or 940-665-0944.

https://www.gainesvilleregister.com/news/local_news/parkinson-s-therapies-subject-of-upcoming-talk/article_0e46af06-45d9-11e9-bd72-f37a661071bf.html