Speech rehabilitatio

Intensive home based speech rehabilitation for adults with degenerative ataxia

01/01/2017 to 01/03/2019

Impairment in speaking (dysarthria) are a devastating and inevitable outcome of literally all degenerative ataxias. It results in daily disadvantage for patients, stigmatisation, social marginalisation and underemployment. There are no known therapies that halt the natural progression of disease or dysarthria in any degenerative ataxia.

We have designed a home-based, intensive four week speech exercise program designed to improve speech in patients with hereditary ataxia. The treatment protocol is based on principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity with a focus on improving intelligibility and vocal control. Exercises and feedback were created to enhance self-monitoring and include computer based listening, visual and results feedback and self-management. The intervention is ready to apply in a clinical setting allowing for direct translation into clinical practice with potential for adaption for a range of degenerative ataxias as well as other neurolodegenerative disorders.