A Case Study on the Impact of Digital Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease Management
admin June 19th, 2024
– Written By
MASLP (Master’s in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology)
Consultant Speech Swallow pathologist, Digital practitioner -SLP
Introduction
Living with Parkinson’s Disease can present many challenges, particularly in terms of speech and communication. Today, I want to share an inspiring story about Gadha, a 63-year-old woman who has shown remarkable progress through digital therapy. Gadha and her caretakers opted for digital therapy due to their remote location and the unavailability of her caretakers for frequent travel. This approach ensures consistent and accessible care despite the logistical challenges they face. This blog will highlight her journey, the activities she engaged in, and how digital therapy has empowered her to improve her speech and communication skills.
Understanding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and can impact speech and cognitive functions. Symptoms often include tremors, stiffness, difficulty with balance and coordination, and speech difficulties such as:
- Reduced range of tongue movement
- Slow rate of speech with interrupted fluency
- Reduced vocal loudness and a monotonous voice quality
- Challenges with word retrieval and answering in sequence
- Mild executive function deficits (planning and organization)
Gadha’s Initial Challenges
When Gadha first started her therapy, she faced several significant challenges:
- Reduced range of tongue movement
- Difficulty biting hard food
- Slow and interrupted speech
- Reduced vital capacity and mean length of utterance
- Difficulty retrieving words and answering in sequence
- Reduced vocal loudness and a breathy, monotonous voice quality
- Mild executive function deficits
- Generally intact attention and memory skills with some variability
Despite these hurdles, Gadha was determined to improve her speech and communication abilities.
The Power of Digital Therapy
Digital therapy leverages technology to provide therapeutic interventions that can be accessed remotely. This approach offers flexibility, accessibility, and personalized care, making it a powerful tool for individuals like Gadha.
1. Oromotor and Brain Gym Exercises:
Enhanced range of tongue movement and oral motor skills.
Improved cognitive abilities, including attention and memory.
2. Reading and Explaining Proverbs:
Boosted word retrieval abilities and fluency.
Engaged cognitive skills by understanding and explaining proverbs.
3. Describing Pictures:
Improved mean length of utterance and vital capacity.
Encouraged the use of descriptive language and longer sentences.
4. LSVT Technique for Breath Support and Sound Quality:
Increased vocal loudness and improved voice quality.
5. Calendar Tasks:
Helped comprehend and express days of the week, enhancing cognitive organization.
6. Identifying Birds and Animals:
Strengthened categorization skills and vocabulary.
7. Performing Complex Commands:
Improved ability to follow multi-step instructions, aiding executive function.
8. Identifying Emotions through Digital Activities:
Enhanced emotional recognition and expression.
9. Singing Along with Film Songs:
Improved intonation and rhythmic speech patterns.
10. Comprehending and Expressing Various Categories:
Practiced naming professionals, zodiac signs, and more.
11. Sequencing Skills through Reciting Cooking Recipes:
Strengthened sequencing abilities and verbal organization.
12. Number Sequence Tasks and Cognitive Skill Exercises:
Enhanced cognitive processing and number recognition.
13. Sorting and Identifying Spices, Discussing Recipes:
Combined sensory stimulation with cognitive and language skills.
14. Expressing Names of Kannada Serials and Their Timings:
Practiced memory and time-related vocabulary.
15. Naming Things Related to Different Rooms:
Enhanced environmental vocabulary and contextual usage.
16. Answering WH Questions and Riddles:
Improved comprehension and critical thinking.
17. Identifying Addresses and Recalling Phone Numbers:
Strengthened memory and practical language use.
18. Repeating Kannada Proverbs:
Practiced cultural language and fluency.
19. Identifying Hindu Mythology Characters and Their Roles:
Enhanced cultural literacy and narrative skills.
20. Reading Numbers for Digit Recognition:
Improved number recognition and reading skills.
21. Discussing Morals from Stories and Songs:
Engaged critical thinking and moral reasoning.
22. Telling Time from a Displayed Clock:
Practiced time-telling and temporal concepts.
23. Identifying and Expressing the Use of Objects:
Improved functional language and vocabulary.
24. Recognizing Logos:
Enhanced visual recognition and associative language skills.
Gadha’s Progress
Through consistent practice and dedication, Gadha has shown significant improvements:
- Increased range of tongue movement
- Enhanced ability to bite and chew food
- Faster, more fluent speech
- Improved word retrieval and sequencing abilities
- Increased vocal loudness and a more varied voice quality
- Better planning and organizational skills
Gadha’s journey demonstrates the effectiveness of digital therapy. Her ability to engage in these therapeutic activities from the comfort of her home has played a crucial role in her progress.
Conclusion
Gadha’s story is a testament to the power of digital therapy in managing Parkinson’s Disease. With the right tools and support, individuals can make meaningful progress in their speech and communication skills. If you or a loved one are facing similar challenges, consider exploring digital therapy options. Remember, with perseverance and the right guidance, improvement is always within reach. Thank you for reading! If you found this story inspiring, please share it with others who might benefit from it. Together, we can spread awareness and support those on their journey with Parkinson’s Disease.
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