The B.A. & E.W. Steinhagen Benevolent Trust, managed by Capital One trustees, awarded an $8,400 grant to Lamar University’s Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences on Oct. 27. The grant will fund speech-therapy services at the clinic to treat patients for the voice changes that often accompany a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive illness that results in disorders of movement that can impact the speech muscles.
“When Parkinson’s affects someone’s voice, it can become very breathy and quiet. Their words may be slurred and hard to understand,” said Alana Kozlowski, assistant professor and clinician.
Kozlowski uses a specialized program known as Lee Silverman Voice Training to work with patients.
“Lee Silverman Voice Training is proven to change speech in patients with Parkinson’s,” said Kozlowski. “It is an intensive program – physical therapy for the voice.”
Participants in the month-long Parkinson’s at Lamar (PAL) Program attend sessions at the Speech and Hearing Clinic four days a week and complete daily “homework” assignments of various vocal exercises.
“It has been marvelous. Simple but effective,” said Pat Long, a former schoolteacher and a patient in the program. “It’s wonderful to talk to people now and know that they can hear me and understand me. I am so thankful for Dr. Alana for coming out to the Parkinson’s support group and telling us about this program.”
The PAL project was designed so residents in Southeast Texas with Parkinson’s disease could have immediate access to an evidence-based voice program with proven results.
“We’re looking to fill a need both now and in the future,” said Kozlowski. “This treatment was not being done in our area. But now, by offering it at Lamar University’s Speech and Hearing Clinic, we are able to assist our patients and to train our students in this technique. Right now we are training 14 clinicians who will one day graduate and take jobs in the Golden Triangle. They will all be able to provide the Lee Silverman Voice Training.”
Anthony Champaigne, a patient with Parkinson’s in the PAL program, said it was comforting for him to learn he was not alone in dealing with this problem.
“It’s nice to know I’m not the only one,” Champaigne said. “I’ve learned a lot from this program, such as speaking louder and concisely. I would definitely recommend this program to others.”
The Parkinson’s speech therapy program started this month under the guidance of Kozlowski. The project will run again in June 2010. Anyone interested in participating should contact Kozlowski at (409) 880-8438 or e-mail at alana.kozlowski@lamar.edu.
