Vancouver: Let's Talk, Communication & Swallowing in PD (In-Person)

Did you know that more than 80% of people living with Parkinson's Disease (PD) develop swallowing difficulty called "dysphagia" and close to 90% of those with PD develop a condition called "hypokinetic dysarthria" which makes it hard for their speech to be understood?

Both these conditions are treatable and can respond well to exercises. In fact, there are specific interventions to help support clear speech that have been developed just for people with Parkinson’s and proven through decades of clinical trials to be effective.

During this interactive presentation, Jessica Vanasse, who is a Speech Language Pathologist or (speech and swallow therapist) in the Outpatient Rehabilitation Clinic at Legacy Salmon Creek, will explain:

How Parkinson's Disease can impact your swallow function and what you can do about it

What treatment options are available to support communication engagement across the stages of the disease process

How you can be proactive in addressing changes in swallowing, communication and thinking skills

What "LSVT" (Lee Silverman Voice Therapy) is and whether it might work for you

Jessica will also lead the group in practicing a number of exercises that have been shown to be effective treatment options.

This in-person talk will be held on Thursday, May 22nd, at 4:00 p.m. on the Legacy Salmon Creek Campus.

PRO's Mike Mulligan, Community Health & Education Coordinator will be facilitating this event. Please contact Mike with any questionst at [email protected] or call our main office at 800-426-6806.

Jessica has worked at Legacy Salmon Creek for 13 years, serving people living with Parkinson’s. She graduated from Portland State University with a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and is LSVT-certified. She loves working with people who have Parkinson’s disease and is excited to hear your questions and engage you in some speech exercises.

Host or Publisher Parkinson's Resources of Oregon