The speech therapist may also recommend a variety of assistive devices, such as a small personal microphone system to amplify a soft voice. For patients who are able to use a computer, communicating via e-mail can be a satisfying way to stay connected with friends and family. For the advanced Parkinson's patient who can't speak at all, one option is a computerized device that speaks aloud the phrases the person types in.

For more information:

The National Parkinson Foundation's brochure, Parkinson's Disease: Speech and Swallowing, can be downloaded from its free publications page.

The Cleveland Clinic offers communication tips in its article "Speech Therapy for Parkinson's Disease."

Learn more about Lee Silverman Voice Treatment at the LSVT Foundation website.