Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that can affect mobility, communication and cognition. It is diagnosed by a clinical specialist who is part of a wider multidisciplinary team.
The Speech and Language Therapist will assess and offer support for any changes in communication, offering practical strategies and finding other ways to communicate as needed. They will assess, identify and provide support for any swallowing difficulties connected with eating and drinking and offer advice on managing saliva if needed.
Further information from NHS Ayrshire & Arran:
- Communication and Parkinson’s
- Advice to Help Control Saliva
- Advice for Communication Partners
- Advice for Swallowing Difficulties
You can also access support from:
Huntington’s disease
Huntington’s disease is an inherited condition which affects aspects of an individual’s movement, cognition and behaviour. It is diagnosed by a neurologist as part of a multidisciplinary team, including a Speech and Language Therapist.
The Speech and Language Therapist will assess, identify and provide support for any speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties.
Further information is available within the Scottish Huntington’s Association communication factsheet.
Motor Neuron Disease (MND)
Motor Neuron Disease (MND) is the general name given to a group of illnesses which affect nerves called motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscles to become weaker and weaker.
It is diagnosed by a neurologist as part of a multidisciplinary team, including a Speech and Language Therapist.
The Speech and Language Therapist assesses and offers support for any changes in communication, offering practical strategies and finding other ways to communicate as needed. They will assess, identify and provide support for any swallowing difficulties connected with eating and drinking and offer advice on managing saliva if needed.
Further information and local support is available:
Dementia
Dementia is not a natural part of the ageing process. It’s caused by illnesses that affect the brain.
Dementia is an umbrella term for over 100 different types of diseases and symptoms. These diseases damage the brain cells so the brain cannot work as well as it should.
A Speech and Language Therapist will assess, identify and provide support for any speech, language, communication and swallowing difficulties.
Further information is available via: