Program Notes: Speech and Swallowing Issues

Last updated on May 17, 2024.

Ariana Hansen was unable to join us. We hope reschedule Arianna soon.

In her place, Cynthia Simonetti stepped up. Here are some highlights from her talk:

• 90,000 people will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2023 alone.
• 95% of people with Parkinson’s experience problems with swallowing.
• Only 3-4% of the Parkinson’s people use a speech pathologist.
• Speech therapy is covered by Medicare.  You will need a referral from your doctor.
• Here are the signs that you may benefit from a speech pathologist:
  • Your voice has gotten quieter
  • Your voice stutters
  • Your voice level drops at end of sentence
  • Weight loss
• The brain has the ability to change
  • Repetition matters
  • Salience matters
  • Specificity matters
  • Use it or lose it/Use it or improve it

If you are interested in contacting Cynthia, here is her contact information:   E-Mail:     Another speech therapy contact is:  .