Unlocking the Potential: Swallowing Therapy in Parkinson's Disease
- HM Speech
- Sep 24, 2024
- 2 min read
It has been a while since we blogged, apologies everyone. But we have been busy. As a team we have travelled to Tasmania to attend the annual Speech Pathology Australia #speechpathologyaustralia conference, upskilled in various areas such as #playtherapy and finalised our Companies purpose, mission statement and values.
Today let's delve into a really important aspect of Parkinson's disease management - and that is swallowing therapy. This often-overlooked aspect of Parkinson's management plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing this neurodegenerative condition. Buckle up as we embark on a journey to understand the significance of speech therapy for Parkinson's disease and how it revolutionises the management of swallowing difficulties.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease and Swallowing Challenges
Parkinson's Disease, a progressive disorder of the nervous system, primarily affects movement. However, many are unaware of the comprehensive impact it can have, extending beyond motor symptoms. One such less commonly discussed issue is dysphagia, a term referring to difficulty in swallowing.
Individuals with Parkinson's frequently experience dysphagia due to impaired coordination of the muscles involved in swallowing. This can lead to various complications like malnutrition, dehydration, and even aspiration pneumonia – emphasising the critical need for tailored swallowing therapy interventions.
Key Therapy Technique in Swallowing: Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST)
Speech therapy, a multifaceted approach encompassing various techniques and exercises, proves to be a game-changer in addressing swallowing difficulties among Parkinson's patients. One such treatment is called an Expiratory Muscle Strength Training or EMST for short. Recently there has been growing evidence to support the use of EMST to improve swallowing in populations such as Parkinson's.
Key Benefits of EMST:
Improved swallowing Function: EMST can help strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing, making it easier to move food or liquids from the mouth to the stomach. This can be particularly beneficial for people with dysphagia or other swallowing disorders.
Improved respiratory muscle strength: EMST can help strengthen the muscles involved in breathing, making them more efficient and capable of generating greater force when needed. This can be particularly beneficial for people with respiratory conditions or neuromuscular disorders that affect breathing function.
Improved cough function: A stronger cough can help clear the airways more effectively, reducing the risk of respiratory infections and complications. EMST can help strengthen the muscles involved in coughing, making it easier to generate a strong cough when needed.
Improved speech function: EMST can help strengthen the muscles involved in speech production, improving speech clarity, and reducing the risk of speech-related complications. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions such as Parkinson's disease or ALS that can affect speech function.
Conclusion: Empowering Through Swallowing Therapy
In conclusion, swallowing therapy stands as a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with the intricate challenges of dysphagia in Parkinson's Disease. Through the dedicated efforts of speech therapists and the unwavering determination of patients, significant strides are being made in enhancing swallowing function and reducing health risks.
#KeepSwallowingStrong #speechtherapyinparkinsons #parkinsonsdiseasetreatment #swallowingtherapy #speechpathology #usingexpiratorymusclestrengthtrainer #EMST150
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