Presenting Author: Dr. Karen Hegland, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Citation: Hegland, K.W. (2021). Maintaining Communication- and Swallow-related functions for People with Parkinson’s Disease. Invited. Sandra Edwards Colloquium, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Florida. February 6, 2021: Gainesville, Florida.
Brief Summary: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a hypokinetic syndrome, and the most common cause of Parkinsonism. The most common motor characteristics are resting tremor (tremor predominant), rigidity (akinetic-rigid predominant), hypokinesia, bradykinesia, and postural abnormalities. Speech and swallowing are likely to be affected by the disease, and there are various restorative, rehabilitative, and compensatory approaches to helping people with PD maintain function as long as possible. Co-treatment including speech-language therapists, occupational therapists, and/or physical therapists may lead to be best functional outcomes for people with PD and their caregivers.