2017 Volume 8 Issue 1 Pages 80-88
ABSTRACT: Following the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment® program, multiple treatment options became available to address dysphonia, secondary to Parkinson's disease (PD). One of the treatment methods, developed by Elandary and colleagues of the Parkinson Voice Project (a speech clinic solely specialized for PD) in the U.S., takes a unique, two-layer approach. The program starts with a series of one-on-one therapy sessions (SPEAK OUT!®) followed by a group therapy program designed to maintain speech improvements (LOUD Crowd®). With its catchphrase, “Speak with Intent,” the SPEAK OUT!®/LOUD Crowd® program's aim is to activate the pyramidal system that is relatively intact with PD. Two of the authors (YT and NT) recently participated in the SPEAK OUT!®/LOUD Crowd® workshop for clinicians to learn about this new treatment approach. The present report provides the overview of the program as well as a brief summary of other methods that address speech issues for individuals with PD.
