Interview with the Michael J. Fox Foundation: Communication Changes with Parkinson’s
Earlier this year I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Rachel, host of the Michael J. Fox Foundation's Ask the MD series! Scroll to the bottom for the short version!
What We Covered
We talked about three of the most common (and most commonly overlooked) changes that happen in Parkinson's disease: communication, cognition, and swallowing. These motor and non-motor symptoms are often diagnosed later rather than sooner, sometimes confused with normal signs of aging.
We also got into the role of the SLP on the Parkinson's care team, simple strategies for managing changes in speech, voice, and memory, and when to see an SLP.
Things Are Getting Personal…
I've spent my 14 year career specializing in adults and seniors with neurological conditions. But I also spent years as a caregiver for my dad, who lived with Parkinson's and dementia.
Wearing both of those hats means I’ve seen Parkinson's from the inside of a clinical session and from the inside of a family. And every time I get to combine those two perspectives whether it’s in a webinar, a support group, a therapy session, or a conversation like this one … I hope it helps someone feel a little less alone on their healthcare journey.
TL ; DR
An SLP should be part of the Parkinson's care team early, not just when things get hard. The earlier you address changes in speech, voice, cognition, and swallowing, the more time there is to preserve strength and prevent serious issues later. Don't wait for a crisis to make the referral.
Watch the full interview below and feel free to share it with anyone navigating Parkinson's - a family member, a patient, a caregiver, or SLP friend who needs the reminder. 🤍
