Speech and PT/OT for Parkinson Disease Patients

Northern Dutchess Hospital offers a speech and physical-occupational therapy program for patients with Parkinson Disease (PD) and Neurological Conditions called LSVT Global (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment). The NDH staff currently includes two certified clinicians to offer the program.

LSVT Loud

Virtually every person (89%) with Parkinson Disease (PD) will have problems with speech that start early in the disease process and that will progressively diminish their quality of life. Common problems include soft voice, mumbled speech, monotone speech and hoarse voice.

Medicine and neurosurgery may dramatically improve other symptoms of PD, but typically don't help speech disorders. The most effective way to improve speech is through speech therapy. Research has demonstrated the LSVT program to improve vocal loudness, improved speech intelligibility and more facial expression. More than fifteen years of research funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) has documented that LSVT Loud Parkinson-specific speech therapy is effective, with results lasting up to two years, making the program the "gold standard".

LSVT Big

LSVT Big is a research-based exercise approach developed from principles of the effective Parkinson specific speech treatment LSVT Loud. It promotes strength, motor learning and changes in brain function. Initial research by the NIH has shown the program to enhance whole body functional movements for up to 3 months that include faster walking with bigger steps, better balance and increased trunk rotation.

LSVT Big self-empowerment techniques train individuals with PD and other neurological conditions to use an internal cueing strategy for better movements anywhere/anytime.

For patients completing LSVT Global, speech therapy begins for the first for two weeks and then the physical-occupational therapy program is worked in with speech therapy. Each component includes 16 sessions each, with four, one hour sessions per week. A physician referral is required. For more information or to make an appointment, please call 845-871-3427.