Dave Brown noticed that his speech was becoming increasingly quiet and that he was starting to slur his words due to Parkinson’s disease. Dave also sang in his church choir and found himself out of breath. He decided to do something about it.
After hearing about LSVT Loud (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) from a family friend, Dave asked his neurologist for a referral. Dave was referred to Paige Hester, CCC-SLP, a speech-language pathologist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Paige is one of the few providers in Northern Kentucky who offers this treatment for voice-related changes in people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
What is LSVT Loud?
LSVT Loud is specifically designed for patients with Parkinson’s disease. The program’s overall goals are to improve vocal volume and speech quality. “As Parkinson’s disease progresses, one of the symptoms is hypophonia, or reduced loudness in speech,” explains Hester. People can also experience reduced articulation, a shaky voice or reduced vocal quality. LSVT Loud works to reduce these symptoms.
Dave also had specific therapy goals related to singing, including hitting a wider range of notes and holding out longer notes with better breath support. “He was considering giving up the church choir because he was getting softer and shakier,” says Hester. Thankfully, participating in LSVT Loud allowed him to continue enjoying singing.
How LSVT Loud Therapy Works
LSVT Loud is an intensive program and requires a significant commitment. Dave received therapy from Hester four days a week for four weeks, each lasting an hour. After therapy, Dave also had to complete at-home exercises that took an additional 10 to 15 minutes each day. “Paige could put me at ease – she made me feel very comfortable,” says Dave. “Being asked to perform certain tasks in front of someone else is challenging, and Paige’s support made the difference.”
The Impact of LSVT Loud
When Dave started his LSVT Loud therapy, he promised Hester: if he noticed a significant improvement and felt comfortable, he would sing for her at the end of his therapy program. Dave and Hester both agreed that the rigorous therapy brought great results.
During the second to last session, Dave showcased his progress by singing a choir song for Hester. “He sounded great and was able to hit both high and low notes with ease,” says Hester. Dave continued to make progress and eventually felt strong enough even to sing “Mary Did You Know” at a Christmas service.
Hester says the most significant change was in Dave’s confidence in his speech. “His speech became much stronger and clearer than before,” she says. As his confidence grew, he started joining conversations with friends and family.
As far as improvements to his singing voice, Dave says that his voice doesn’t shake nearly as much. He also improved his breath control to help him hold and hit a wider range of notes. LSVT Loud not only improved his speaking abilities but also reignited his passion for singing.
Dave says he definitely recommends the program to others with Parkinson’s who are noticing voice-related changes. “Paige recorded my speech during the first session and then the last session,” says Dave. “I could hardly believe I was listening to myself.”
Continuing Care: The Importance of Daily Practice Post-LSVT
After completing the program, participants receive daily, at-home maintenance exercises. Hester recommends that patients practice 5 to 10 minutes each day to keep up with their skills. If not, they may risk losing the progress they’ve gained. “Without regular practice, the improvements begin to fade and you notice the quietness coming back,” she explains.
Hester follows up with LSVT Loud participants six to eight months after they’ve completed the program. She reviews their ongoing commitment to daily, at-home exercises and whether their voice strengthening continues. “Participants are always encouraged to come back for additional sessions if they feel the need to do so,” says Hester.
Learn more
If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease and have noticed voice-related changes, LSVT Loud therapy may help. Depending on your insurance carrier, you may qualify to receive these services virtually. Ask your neurologist for a referral or contact St. Elizabeth Speech Pathology for more information.
If you are interested in learning more about additional neurological and movement disorder therapies, including retraining your brain to think “BIG” through LSVT BIG, click here.
