Digital Voice Therapy Program for Parkinson's Disease Begins Operation
Unleashing the Power of Song: Bonnie, Sally, and Vince's Parkinson's Voice Revolution
Bonnie Nilsson and Sally Ireland are formidable forces, each bringing their unique skills to the table. Bonnie, a Music Therapist, and Sally, a Speech Therapist with a background in music and singing, have forged an unbeatable partnership. Together with Vince Carroll - a Parkinson's Specialist Nurse - they've developed the "Sing and Speak, Parkinson's Online Voice Program," poised to revolutionize voice therapy for Parkinson's patients across the state.
The program's journey began in the pre-COVID era, with Bonnie providing the program in person for the Nambucca Parkinson's Support Group, with Vince's support. As many as 50-90% of Parkinson's patients experience speech issues, including reduced loudness, limited respiratory support, a monotone voice, and reduced voice quality[1]. Recognizing the impact of these speech challenges, Bonnie and Vince recognized the need for a solution.
Enter the voice intervention project, a program addressing these speech challenges through high-effort vocal and respiratory tasks, speech exercises, group singing, and opportunities for social communication. Seeking to bolster their team, they approached Sally, not only for her professional skills but also her passion for music.
Founded as a face-to-face program in February 2020, the pandemic necessitated a transition to the online space to help participants maintain social connections. The program officially launched its eight-week online sessions in October 2020, incorporating voice warm-ups, high-effort vocal and respiratory tasks, speech exercises, group singing, and social communication.
The online program aimed to improve participants' voice-related quality of life and voice intensity by 50%. The results were astounding, with all participants either maintaining or improving their voice-related quality of life, being satisfied with the program, and experiencing pulmonary function improvements ranging from 3% to 37%[2]. In recognition of their outstanding work, the program was awarded the Keeping People Healthy category of the Mid North Coast Local Health District 2021 Health Innovation Awards[3].
Navigating the virtual realm hasn't been without its challenges. As Sally Ireland explained, "While working with Zoom does not allow real-time interaction - so assessment of individual progress can be tricky - it does have other advantages. For example, Zoom has 'break out rooms' which allow myself and the person I am assessing to virtually step aside from the main group so we can work one-on-one." Bonny Nilsson added, "We are learning what works and what doesn't in the online space as we go along, so the Project is evolving."
But the Voice Program wouldn't exist without the financial support of organizations like The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour Daybreak, Palm Beach Bowls Club, Charles Sturt University, Parkinson's NSW, and the Mid North Coast Local Health District[4].
If you're interested in participating in the Sing and Speak, Parkinson's Online Voice Program in your area, please reach out to Vince Carroll, Specialist Parkinson's Nurse, at 02 6659 2333.
A Sunnier Side of Parkinson's: Overcoming Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Struggling with excessive daytime sleepiness? Consider these tips for a brighter day.
Some Parkinson's medications can cause excessive daytime sleepiness or sudden onset of sleep. But fear not! Researchers continue to explore the causes and potential solutions for this non-motor symptom of Parkinson's disease[1].
Zoom In: Enhancing Online Connections for Those in the Parkinson's Community
Discover the benefits and challenges of virtual support groups for individuals affected by Parkinson's disease.
As technology advances, online platforms like Zoom provide opportunities for individuals affected by Parkinson's disease to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another[2]. It's a path to empowerment and connection, offering a ray of hope in the face of the challenges posed by Parkinson's.
[1] affects Parkinson's patients, with many experiencing speech issues. The "Sing and Speak, Parkinson's Online Voice Program" aims to address these challenges and improve participants' quality of life.Additional resources for those seeking to manage excessive daytime sleepiness associated with Parkinson's disease and explore driving safety guidelines for older drivers can be found in the enrichment section.
[2] Recognized the Sing and Speak, Parkinson's Online Voice Program with the Keeping People Healthy category of the Mid North Coast Local Health District 2021 Health Innovation Awards.
[3] Organizations like Fight Parkinson's offer online singing sessions via Zoom, which can be a beneficial activity for those interested in singing.Although not specifically an online voice program for Parkinson's, it can help individuals maintain voice strength and improve communication skills.
[4] Provides speech therapy designed to help individuals with Parkinson's improve their speech and voice. It is offered by the Parkinson Voice Project and includes an online certification course for speech professionals.
The "Sing and Speak, Parkinsons Online Voice Program" is a revolutionary initiative that leverages the power of music and song to address speech challenges in Parkinsons patients, who often suffer from speech issues such as reduced loudness, limited respiratory support, and reduced voice quality. Recipient of the Keeping People Healthy category of the Mid North Coast Local Health District 2021 Health Innovation Awards, the program offers voice warm-ups, high-effort vocal and respiratory tasks, speech exercises, group singing, and social communication, aiming to improve participants' voice-related quality of life and voice intensity.
Simultaneously, scientists are investigating solutions for excessive daytime sleepiness common among Parkinsons patients, a non-motor symptom caused by some Parkinsons medications. In addition to the Sing and Speak program, online resources like the Parkinson Voice Project and Fight Parkinsons offer speech therapy and singing sessions via Zoom, designed to help individuals manage their condition and maintain voice strength.
The changing landscape of health and wellness in the digital age presents unique opportunities for people with Parkinsons to connect, learn, and grow. Despite the challenges of navigating online spaces, programs like the Sing and Speak, Parkinsons Online Voice Program, and virtual support groups on platforms like Zoom, are empowering individuals to face neurological disorders like Parkinsons and find community, hope, and treatments and therapies tailored to their needs.
