Parkinson’s disease: keep your voice, keep moving
Parkinson’s disease often changes the voice before people notice: it becomes softer, flatter and harder to understand. Swallowing, handwriting, movement, thinking and mood can also change over time.
At Happy Brain Clinic in Tyre, Lebanon, and online, speech-language pathologists, occupational and psychomotor therapists, neuropsychologists and psychologists work together, alongside your neurologist and physiotherapist.
- Voice & speech
- Coordination & daily life
- In Tyre or online
Is Parkinson’s affecting daily life?
These changes are common, and many can be improved with the right therapy.
- Family members ask you to repeat or say you speak too quietly
- Your voice sounds hoarse, monotone or tired
- You cough or clear your throat when eating or drinking
- Handwriting has become small or slow
- Dressing, buttons or cooking take much longer
- Planning, attention or mood have changed
Talk to our team, confidentially.
How speech therapy helps the voice
People with Parkinson’s often feel they are speaking normally when they are too quiet. Therapy recalibrates effort and loudness.
Intensive loudness-focused therapy
Short, intensive programs that train a stronger, healthier voice and carry it into daily conversation. This approach has the strongest evidence (for example, LSVT LOUD).
Clarity & rate
Clear articulation, pacing and pausing so others understand you the first time.
Intonation & expression
Bringing melody and emotion back into the voice, which helps listeners and confidence.
Safe swallowing
Swallowing assessment, safer strategies and exercises, including respiratory muscle training when appropriate.
Communication partners
Guidance for family members, and communication aids if speech becomes difficult.
Therapy by video
Voice and speech therapy work well online, which supports the intensity voice programs need.
Coordination, handwriting and independence
Occupational therapy
Strategies for dressing, eating, cooking, writing and computer use; home adaptations and energy saving.
Psychomotor therapy
Rhythm and cueing, body awareness, balance and coordination to make movements larger and more fluid.
Handwriting
Exercises and cues against small, cramped writing (micrographia).
With your physiotherapist
We coordinate with the physiotherapist and neurologist following you for walking, falls and exercise.
Cognition, mood and the family
Neuropsychological assessment
Attention, planning, memory and speed of thinking, as a baseline and to guide strategies.
Cognitive strategies
Routines, planning tools and cognitive exercises adapted to daily goals.
Psychology
Support for anxiety, low mood and adjustment, which are common in Parkinson’s disease.
Caregivers
Guidance and support for spouses and children, including families living abroad.
Has the voice become quieter?
Send us a message. A speech-language pathologist will advise you on assessment and the right program.
What the research says
Intensive voice therapy
The PD COMM randomised trial (2024) found that an intensive loudness-focused program (LSVT LOUD) improved voice-related quality of life compared with no speech therapy.
Occupational therapy
A randomised trial found home-based occupational therapy improved self-reported performance of daily activities.
Swallowing training
Expiratory muscle strength training improved swallowing safety in a randomised trial.
Multidisciplinary care
Guidelines recommend access to speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy in Parkinson’s disease.
Explore
Scientific and professional sources
- Sackley et al. (2024), BMJ: PD COMM randomised trial of speech and language therapy in Parkinson’s disease (summary by Parkinson’s UK)
- Sturkenboom et al. (2014), Lancet Neurology: Efficacy of occupational therapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease, randomised trial
- Troche et al. (2010), Neurology: Aspiration and swallowing in Parkinson disease and rehabilitation with expiratory muscle strength training
- NICE guideline NG71: Parkinson’s disease in adults
What families say about us
Real Google reviews from families who worked with our team.
This organization enjoys high-level therapists, and they even develop every day to much higher levels as this field progresses.
Frequently asked questions
Can speech therapy help the voice in Parkinson’s disease?
Yes. Intensive, loudness-focused voice therapy has the strongest evidence for improving voice and communication in Parkinson’s disease. Practice at home is an important part of it.
When should speech therapy start?
Early is best, even when changes are mild. Starting early helps keep the voice strong and builds habits for later.
Can you help with swallowing problems?
Yes. We assess swallowing and teach safer strategies and exercises, in coordination with the doctor.
What about movement and coordination?
Occupational and psychomotor therapists work on daily activities, handwriting, rhythm and coordination, and we coordinate with your physiotherapist and neurologist.
Is therapy available online?
Yes. Voice and speech therapy, cognitive strategies and family guidance can be done online from Lebanon, the Gulf or abroad.
Book an assessment for Parkinson’s disease
Voice, speech, swallowing, coordination and cognition, in Tyre or online.