How does The Parkinson’s Protocol address speech and swallowing difficulties?

The Parkinson’s Protocol™ By Jodi Knapp Parkinson’s disease cannot be eliminated completely but its symptoms can be reduced, damages can be repaired and its progression can be delayed considerably by using various simple and natural things. In this eBook, a natural program to treat Parkinson’s disease is provided online. it includes 12 easy steps to repair your body and reduce the symptoms of this disease. The creator of this program has divided into four segments to cover a complete plan to treat this disease along with improving your health and life by knowing everything about this health problem. The main focus of this program is on boosting the levels of hormone in your brain by making e a few easy changes in your lifestyle, diet, and thoughts

How does The Parkinson’s Protocol address speech and swallowing difficulties?

In “The Parkinson’s Protocol,” speech and swallowing difficulties are addressed through a combination of exercises, strategies, and lifestyle modifications aimed at improving muscle control, strengthening the vocal cords, and supporting safe swallowing. Speech and swallowing issues are common in Parkinson’s disease due to the impact on muscles involved in these functions, leading to reduced voice volume, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). The program provides targeted approaches to help individuals maintain their ability to communicate effectively and reduce the risk of complications like choking or aspiration. Here’s a detailed overview of the strategies recommended for managing speech and swallowing difficulties:

1. Voice and Speech Exercises:

The protocol includes specific vocal exercises to strengthen the muscles of the voice box (larynx), improve breath control, and increase speech clarity and volume.
Recommended Speech Exercises:
- Vocal Loudness Training (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment – LSVT LOUD® Techniques): Involves practicing speaking loudly and clearly to enhance vocal intensity and articulation.
- Pitch Variation Exercises: Practice changing pitch by singing scales or speaking in a high and low pitch to improve vocal flexibility and control.
- Sustained Phonation: Take a deep breath and hold a vowel sound like “ah” for as long as possible, focusing on maintaining steady volume and tone.
- Over-Articulation Drills: Exaggerate mouth movements when pronouncing words to improve speech clarity and reduce slurring.

2. Breath Control and Diaphragmatic Breathing:

Proper breath support is crucial for clear speech. The program includes breathing exercises to strengthen the diaphragm and support steady airflow during speaking.
Recommended Breathing Techniques:
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Breathe deeply into the abdomen, expanding the diaphragm rather than the chest, to increase lung capacity and breath support.
- Counting Aloud: Count aloud slowly, starting with a soft voice and gradually increasing in volume. This helps regulate breath and vocal strength.
- Paced Breathing: Practice speaking phrases in time with each breath to improve breath coordination and control during speech.

3. Articulation and Tongue Exercises:

Articulation exercises focus on improving the clarity of speech by strengthening the muscles of the lips, tongue, and jaw.
Recommended Articulation Exercises:
- Tongue Twisters: Repeat tongue twisters like “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” slowly, focusing on clear articulation of each sound.
- Lip and Tongue Stretches: Stretch the lips into a wide smile, then pucker tightly. Move the tongue in circles inside the mouth to increase flexibility and coordination.
- Word Repetition Exercises: Repeat difficult-to-pronounce words slowly, over-articulating each syllable to improve muscle memory and articulation.

4. Facial Muscle Exercises:

The program suggests facial exercises to increase mobility and strength in the muscles around the mouth and face, which are often affected in Parkinson’s, leading to reduced expressiveness and slurred speech.
Recommended Facial Exercises:
- Cheek Puffs: Puff out the cheeks with air and hold for a few seconds, then release. Repeat to strengthen cheek muscles.
- Jaw Movements: Open and close the jaw slowly, then move it side to side to release tension and improve control.
- Lip and Nose Movements: Wrinkle the nose, raise the eyebrows, and move the lips into different positions (e.g., smiling, frowning) to increase facial flexibility.

5. Swallowing Exercises to Improve Dysphagia:

Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is a common issue in Parkinson’s that can lead to choking, aspiration, and weight loss. The program includes exercises to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing and improve coordination.
Recommended Swallowing Exercises:
- Effortful Swallow: Swallow hard while imagining squeezing all the muscles of the throat. This exercise strengthens the muscles involved in swallowing.
- Mendelsohn Maneuver: While swallowing, hold the Adam’s apple in the raised position for a few seconds, then release. This maneuver strengthens the laryngeal muscles and improves the swallowing reflex.
- Masako Maneuver (Tongue Hold Exercise): Stick the tongue out slightly and gently bite it between the teeth. Swallow while keeping the tongue in this position to strengthen the muscles at the back of the throat.

6. Head and Neck Posture Adjustments:

Proper head and neck posture can facilitate safer swallowing and reduce the risk of choking. The program includes postural strategies to improve swallowing safety.
Recommended Postural Adjustments:
- Chin Tuck Technique: When swallowing, tuck the chin down slightly. This position helps protect the airway by narrowing the space, reducing the risk of aspiration.
- Head Tilt or Turn: Tilt or turn the head slightly to one side during swallowing if one side of the throat is weaker, directing the food to the stronger side.
- Sit Upright During Meals: Maintain an upright seated position with the head slightly forward during and after eating to promote safer swallowing.

7. Dietary Modifications for Safer Swallowing:

The program recommends modifying the texture of foods to reduce the risk of choking and make swallowing easier for individuals with dysphagia.
Recommended Dietary Adjustments:
- Thickened Liquids: Use thickening agents to modify the consistency of liquids to reduce the risk of aspiration.
- Soft, Moist Foods: Include foods that are soft and moist, such as mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, or yogurt, which are easier to swallow.
- Avoid Dry or Crumbly Foods: Avoid dry, crumbly foods like crackers or bread that can be difficult to swallow and increase the risk of choking.

8. Lifestyle and Behavioral Strategies:

The protocol also includes behavioral strategies to support safe eating and speaking practices.
Recommended Strategies:
- Small Bites and Sips: Take small bites and sips to reduce the risk of choking and improve control over swallowing.
- Eat Slowly and Mindfully: Focus on eating slowly and thoroughly chewing each bite before swallowing to improve safety.
- Resting the Voice: Schedule regular periods of vocal rest to prevent strain and fatigue, especially for those experiencing vocal weakness.

9. Hydration to Support Swallowing and Speech:

Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining vocal cord health and supporting effective swallowing. Dehydration can lead to thickened saliva, making speech and swallowing more difficult.
Hydration Tips:
- Drink water throughout the day to keep vocal cords lubricated and reduce the risk of dry mouth.
- Incorporate hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables to increase fluid intake.

10. Use of Assistive Devices:

For individuals with severe speech and swallowing difficulties, the program suggests using assistive devices to maintain communication and ensure safety during eating.
Recommended Devices:
- Voice Amplifiers: For individuals with very low vocal volume, a voice amplifier can help make speech more audible.
- Communication Boards or Apps: Use communication boards or apps to supplement speech, especially during periods of severe speech difficulty.

By incorporating these strategies, “The Parkinson’s Protocol” provides a comprehensive approach to addressing speech and swallowing difficulties, helping individuals maintain their ability to communicate, eat safely, and reduce the impact of these symptoms on their daily lives.

Jodi Knapp