Cynthia Fox, PhD, CCC-SLP, CEO and cofounder of LSVT Global, underscores that better understanding of activity-dependent neuroplasticity since the 1990s has transformed Parkinson’s disease (PD) care, elevating the role of rehabilitation alongside drugs and devices. She highlights growing evidence that speech/language changes can precede motor signs and may serve as early or prodromal markers detectable across languages with modern analytics. In parallel, a body of studies shows that targeted voice and swallowing training can yield durable gains. Multiple exercise modalities also improve quality of life, with one meta-analysis suggesting qigong may offer comparatively strong benefits. Taken together, these data argue for earlier screening of voice, swallow, and movement as part of routine PD evaluation rather than waiting for overt disability.
Fox emphasized practical implications: refer patients early to evidence-based speech, physical, and occupational therapy, and pair clinic-based rehab with community exercise programs to strengthen outcomes across motor and nonmotor domains. She also pointed to scalable delivery—tele-rehab, group formats, and community partnerships—plus simple, trackable metrics (voice loudness, gait speed, patient-reported confidence) to monitor progress and sustain gains. The throughline is proactive, multidisciplinary care: identify symptoms sooner, engage structured therapy earlier, and sustain gains with ongoing exercise and patient education.
Reference: Fox C, Ciccone I. The Growing Care Impact of Speech and Physical Therapy in Parkinson Disease: Cynthia Fox, PhD, CCC-SLP. Neurology Live. Published August 19, 2025. Accessed October 24, 2025. https://www.neurologylive.com/view/growing-care-impact-speech-physical-therapy-pd-cynthia-fox
Link: https://www.neurologylive.com/view/growing-care-impact-speech-physical-therapy-pd-cynthia-fox
