LSVT treatment options for Parkinson’s – Ask about Nutrition

LSVT treatment options for Parkinson's

May 14, 2014 |

Written by Ask The Expert Julie Anderson

Q. What is LSVT?

A. LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) was named after Mrs. Lee Silverman and was developed in 1987. The treatment has been scientifically studied for 20 years with funded support from the National Institute for Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) of the National Institutes of Health. LSVT is an innovative way to improve the communication and movement in Parkinsons disease patients. This treatment can be applied to other neurological conditions. There are two different treatments, LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG.

Q. What is LSVT LOUD?

A. LSVT LOUD is one of the most widely practiced treatments for speech disorders associated with Parkinsons disease and other neurological disorders. This treatment focuses on increasing vocal loudness and has an intensive approach on ones mouth. Speech therapy, specifically LSVT LOUD, may improve voice and speech function. LSVT LOUD improves vocal loudness by stimulating the muscles of the voice box through a series of exercises.

Q. What is LSVT BIG?

A. LSVT BIG can be delivered by a physical or occupational therapist. Principles of LSVT LOUD were applied to limb movement in people with Parkinsons disease. LSVT BIG has been documented to be effective short-term. Training increased amplitude of limb and body movement, improved speed, balance and quality of life. Treatment is administered in 16 sessions over a month and was developed specifically to address the unique movement impairments for people with Parkinsons disease. Procedures are both intensive and complex, with many repetitions of core movements that are used in daily living. This type of treatment is necessary to optimize learning and carryover of your better movement into everyday life.

Q. What is Parkinsons disease?

A. Parkinsons disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder. The symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the United States suffer from Parkinsons disease, making it the second most common neurogenerative disease. Parkinsons disease involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain called neurons.

Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

As Parkinsons progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement. This disease leads to body tremors, problems walking and any movement and coordination. Parkinsons disease most commonly develops after the age of 50. Symptoms of Parkinsons include shaking (tremors), slow blinking, no facial expressions, drooling, slower and quieter speech and stiff muscles.

Q. What are the causes and risk factors of Parkinsons disease?

A. The cause is unknown, and there is no cure. There are treatment options such as medication and surgery that help manage symptoms. Although a primary cause for Parkinsons disease is yet to be identified, a number of risk factors are clearly evident. The risk factors are advancing age, sex, genetics, declining estrogen levels, agricultural work, family history, low levels of B vitamin folate and head trauma. Most individuals will have one or more of the risk factors and never experience any symptoms.

Julie Anderson, PT, has 32 years of experience as a physical therapist. She is certified in LSVT and vestibular therapy. Anderson is one of three certified LSVT therapists at IU Health Ball Memorial Rehabilitation Center on Community Drive. For more information, go online to iuhealth.org/ball-memorial.

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LSVT treatment options for Parkinson's - Ask about Nutrition