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Diagnosed with Parkinson’s? There are still options

Most people know Parkinson’s as a tremor disease.

What many don’t realize is that it is now the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease in the world, and its reach goes far beyond shaking hands.

One of the highlights of the 42nd Annual Aging Life Care Association® Conference in Austin was hearing from Hilary Byatt, Chief Operating Officer of Parkinson Voice Project. Her presentation was a powerful reminder of how much families don’t know, and how much that knowledge can change outcomes.

Parkinson’s affects smell, digestion, mood, sleep, and fatigue. Its symptoms can change from one day to the next, which makes it especially difficult for families to navigate. And perhaps most sobering: 70% of Parkinson’s-related deaths are linked to aspiration from pneumonia, often a consequence of an undetected swallowing disorder.

Early signs of swallowing difficulty in Parkinson’s are easy to miss:

→ Drooling
→ Difficulty chewing
→ A wet or gurgling voice quality
→ Pills getting stuck

If any of this sounds familiar for someone you love, please keep reading.

The good news is that there is an evidence-based solution, and you don’t have to leave home to access it.

Parkinson’s Voice Project’s Speak Out! therapy is a telehealth program specifically designed to address speech and swallowing challenges in Parkinson’s. It meets patients where they are, literally, in the comfort of their own home.

At Senior Options, we are always looking for resources that truly make a difference in our clients’ quality of life. This is one we are proud to share.

Thank you, Hilary, for bringing this critical work to our community.

Check out this great resource here: https://parkinsonvoiceproject.org/