Last updated on May 17, 2024.

Aug

Guest Speaker: Ariana Hanson, Speech Therapist, Presbyterian Hospital. Ariana will describe the speech and swallowing challenges common to people with PD; how to get involved with classes, contact info, and Q&A.

Ariana Hansen was unable to join us. We hope reschedule Arianna soon.

In her place, Cynthia Simonetti stepped up. Here are some highlights from her talk:

90,000 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2023 alone.
95% of people with Parkinson’s experience problems with swallowing.
Only 3-4% of the Parkinson’s people use a speech pathologist.
Speech therapy is covered by Medicare. You will need a referral from your doctor.
Here are the signs that you may benefit from a speech pathologist:
- Your voice has gotten quieter
- Your voice stutters
- Your voice level drops at end of sentence
- Weight loss
The brain has the ability to change
- Repetition matters
- Salience matters
- Specificity matters
- Use it or lose it/Use it or improve it

If you are interested in contacting Cynthia, here is her contact information: E-Mail: Another speech therapy contact is: .

Program Notes: Speech and Swallowing Issues