Brenda Curtwright & Associates Now Offering LSVT-LOUD for Parkinson's!

Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT-LOUD) services are now being offered at Brenda Curtwright and Associates, both in-person and online.

LSVT is the most well-researched treatment for individuals with Parkinson’s disease who are experiencing difficulty with their communication. People with Parkinson’s often report having to repeat themselves to others, difficulty communicating in noisy settings, and having a soft voice. LSVT improves these aspects of communication with its intensive practice and research-based approach.

LSVT was designed as a treatment for voice and loudness, but studies have shown benefits to articulation, intelligibility, facial expressions, and overall perception of communication skills. While the treatment was initially designed for individuals with Parkinson’s, evidence also supports its use with other neurological disorders, such as atypical Parkinson’s disease or ataxic dysarthria. Maintenance of skills has been found 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months post-treatment.

LSVT is an intensive, high-effort treatment composed of 16 total sessions (four sessions a week for four weeks). Each session is one hour in length. This intensity of treatment allows clinicians to take advantage of the principles of neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to create new connections). Sessions can be completed in person or via telehealth. In each session, a certified LSVT clinician leads the patient through a variety of functional exercises designed to improve voice quality and loudness. The patient is taught to "recalibrate" their sensory system in order to better communicate with others. In addition to these 16 sessions, each patient is expected to complete daily homework activities that match the intensity of treatment sessions. Yes – even on days that the patient comes in for therapy! Goals and activities are personalized to match what is functional for each patient’s lifestyle.

In the video below, Marisol Thornberry, M.S., CCC-SLP, a certified LSVT Provider/eProvider, describes what LSVT-LOUD is, how it works, and what you need to know to get started! 

If you’re ready to THINK LOUD and improve your communication skills, please contact the BCAA team at (813) 252-6334 or bcaa@brendacurtwright.com.