Skip to Content

Disclaimer

Disclaimer
MDS makes every effort to publish accurate information on the website. "Google Translate" is provided as a free tool for visitors to read content in one's native language. Translations are not guaranteed to be 100% accurate. Neither MDS nor its employees assume liability for erroneous translations of website content.

International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Main Content

Speech/Language Therapy

Role of the Speech/Language Therapist

The speech pathologist has several beneficial roles to fulfill when evaluating and treating a patient with any movement disorder and educating family and professional carers. 

The goal of swallowing assessment and intervention is to assure safe and adequate intake, the latter best accomplished with a nutritionist. A thorough swallowing evaluation includes observation of an entire typical meal of foods and liquids in the presence of the speech pathologist. An instrumental swallowing assessment, such as a modified barium swallow study or endoscopic evaluation, may further pinpoint areas of difficulty. The results allow the therapist to determine the best diet consistency and compensatory strategies to assist the patient in completing a meal safely. 

View complete description  

Speech assessment and intervention are crucial throughout the lifespan. It is always a priority for the patient to be able to hold a conversation and share their feelings, preferences, and ideas to better cope and participate in life. Treatment typically focuses on voice and articulation as these are the modalities most affected. The main goal of speech intervention is to increase the patient's intelligibility, thereby maintaining a good quality of life. 

While the standard of practice in North America, cognitive treatment is not part of the role in Europe or Israel, cognitive treatment is offered during the early stage of dementia when the patient is able to learn new information, retain it and adapt to external aides (such as lists, calendars, clocks) which can trigger the desired effect. Equally important is the support, training, and education of the family in dementia management. 

 


 

Originally contributed by Jeanne Thomson, CCC-SLP and Yael Manor, CCC-SLP; Maintained by the Health Professionals SIG.

 

Tools

Patient Handout: Swallowing 

This informational 1-sheet handout is available in 30+ languages.

View handouts »

Active Groups 

Speech and Movement Disorders Study Group

The Speech and Movement Disorders Study Group aims to share clinical and research experience across the world in all aspects of communication and swallowing difficulties of patients with movement disorders.

View group »

Related Media

Resource Type

Please wait while we gather your results.

 

 

 

We use cookies to give you the best possible experience with our website. These cookies are also used to ensure we show you content that is relevant to you. If you continue without changing your settings, you are agreeing to our use of cookies to improve your user experience. You can click the cookie settings link on our website to change your cookie settings at any time. Note: The MDS site uses related multiple domains, including mds.movementdisorders.org and mds.execinc.com. This cookie policy only covers the primary movementdisorders.org and mdscongress.org domain. Please refer to the MDS Privacy Policy for information on how to configure cookies for all other domains on the MDS site.
Cookie PolicyPrivacy Notice