This week's guest is Valeria Gary.

Have you ever wondered about the impacts on phonation for those who suffer from Parkinson’s Disease (PD)? In this episode, we speak with Valeria Gary who is a Health Coach and a Speech Language pathologist working within the healthcare industry. In 2015, Valeria transitioned her career as an SLP, to providing therapy to patients with PD, and works as a volunteer for Parkinson’s Foundation in Georgia and as the owner of Total Body Cognition and Southeast Parkinson’s Speech Services.

Currently, there are approximately 10 million people worldwide suffering from PD and in our conversation, Valeria explains that PD is a neurodegenerative disease, which means that it impacts the brain and the patient gradually worsens over time. She tells us that at this time, there are no known causes or cures for PD, however, with the correct medications and support, patients can maintain a good quality of life.

PD not only impacts the body but Valeria talks about the many ways it can affect phonation, such as patients experiencing reduced volume, monotone pitch and breathiness or hoarseness in the voice. She stresses that early intervention is most beneficial for the patient and it is easier to maintain function than to regain some. Valeria describes the clinical work she does with her patients, demonstrates some of the vocal exercises she uses along with their desired outcomes and how we as a voice community can create inclusive spaces for PD patients to enjoy and reap the benefits of singing. This is an informative and important episode for all of us to learn more about this terrible disease.

In this episode
04:06 — Valeria Gray’s Health Background
06:56 — Specializing in Parkinson’s Disease
08:56 — Michael J. Fox’s Impact on Parkinson’s Awareness
12:11 — Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease
15:15 — Is Parkinson’s Disease Fatal?
17:47 — Deep Brain Stimulation’s Benefit
18:33 — Development of Speech Degeneration
21:33 — Valeria’s Treatment Plan for Patients
26:44 — Barriers of Speech Therapy
29:25 — Frequency of Treatment
31:20 — Youngest Parkinson’s Disease Patient
31:54 — Patients Experiencing Depression and Anxiety
33:13 — Singing and Parkinson’s
40:35 — Cure for Parkinson’s Disease
45:17 — Raising Awareness for Parkinson’s Disease
46:24 — SpeechVive Device

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