Speech and Language Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease

About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition. You can find more information on the Parkinson’s UK website. This Parkinson’s UK video is a useful starting point for finding out about Parkinson’s.

If you feel anxious, overwhelmed or have difficulty coping, contact your GP who can refer you to a suitable healthcare professional.

Speech and swallowing

Some individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease can experience changes in speech and swallowing as the condition develops over time. The individual’s speech may become muffled and difficult to understand, and it will require more effort to swallow fluid and food. Here are some of the difficulties that people may experience when eating and drinking:

Difficulties chewing food
Spilling food from mouth
Difficulties swallowing
Choking on food or drink
Food sticking in the throat
Feeling suffocated
Weight loss
Recurrent chest infections
Shortness of breath after swallowing

The Speech and Language Therapy Service can help if you notice these changes. You can be referred by your GP or nurse / specialist doctor or contact us directly by email or on 02920 743012.

There are useful Speech and Language Therapy exercises and strategies recommended within the My Parkinson’s app. If you search for speech therapy in the search bar, you will find voice exercises, communication tips, and advice on swallowing and saliva management.

Local Support

Cardiff Live Loud!

Over 80 per cent of people with Parkinson’s have voice or communication problems. Are you one of them?

Live Loud! Zoom is a friendly group session hosted on the Zoom videoconferencing platform. You will need a laptop, tablet or smartphone, internet access and a webcam and microphone to take part in these sessions.

Live Loud! is a welcoming and supportive group. It is run by volunteers and many have Parkinson’s Disease. In the sessions you can take part in activities that are fun, varied and aim to improve your confidence in speaking in everyday life. Activities include breathing exercises, reciting poetry and taking part in group discussions.

There is no charge to attend the group. Partners and carers are welcome to support you if you need some technical help. However, we ask that they do not take part as the sessions are intended for people whose voices are affected by Parkinson’s.

Email Karen Chandler for more information on the Live Loud! or call Karen on 07966827887.