Raising Awareness and Offering Support During Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is recognized nationally as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to educate, advocate, and support those affected by this progressive neurological condition. At Newberry Health, we stand alongside the nearly one million individuals in the United States living with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their families and caregivers.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Its Impact on Communication
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to control movement. In addition to tremors, stiffness, and slowed movements, Parkinson’s can also significantly affect a person’s ability to communicate. Common speech and voice-related symptoms include:
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A soft or weak voice
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Hoarseness
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Monotone speech
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Mumbled or unclear speech
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Rapid or rushed speech patterns
These communication challenges can deeply impact a person’s confidence, social interaction, and overall quality of life.
How Newberry Health Supports the Parkinson’s Community
At Newberry Health, we’re proud to offer LSVT-LOUD® (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment)—an evidence-based speech therapy specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s. This highly specialized treatment helps patients regain effective communication through targeted, intensive voice and speech exercises.
LSVT-LOUD focuses on “recalibrating” the brain’s perception of vocal loudness and expression, addressing the mismatch between how the individual hears their voice and how it is perceived by others. Through this therapy, patients often experience:
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Increased vocal loudness
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Improved speech clarity and articulation
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More expressive intonation
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Enhanced facial expression
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Positive changes in neural pathways related to speech and voice
Join Us in Supporting Parkinson’s Awareness
Throughout April—and every month—Newberry Health is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals with Parkinson’s. We encourage you to take time this month to learn more about Parkinson’s disease, raise awareness, and reach out to those who may benefit from supportive therapies.
If you or someone you love is living with Parkinson’s and struggling with communication, our Speech Therapy Department is here to help. To learn more about LSVT-LOUD or to schedule an evaluation, please contact Newberry Health today.