Self-Perception of Dysphagia Improvement in Parkinson's Disease in a Deep Brain Stimulation Case After Completion Of LSVT-LOUD Tune-Up Sessions

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> To investigate perceptions of dysphagia in Parkinson's disease prior to initiation of the LSVT LOUD program. To investigate perceived improvement in swallowing following completion of the LSVT LOUD program. <h3>Design</h3> The research methodology is a prospective case study with data being collected from September 2020, to October 2020. <h3>Setting</h3> The study setting was an outpatient speech language pathology office within a medical facility. <h3>Participants</h3> 67 year old male with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulator. <h3>Interventions</h3> LSVT LOUD tune up sessions. Daily homework: 1-2x daily. Carryover assignments: Daily. <h3>Main Outcome Measures</h3> 1) Qualitative interview 2) The Dysphagia Handicap Index (measures the effect of dysphagia on three aspects of their lives 1) physical, 2) functional, and 3) emotional) 3) Voice Handicap Index. <h3>Results</h3> Case study findings revealed changes from pre and post- LSVT LOUD tune-up sessions for two out of the three self-rated dysphagia perception measures. The physical perceptions (sensations of choking), emotional perceptions (fear of choking) improved from a moderate to a minimal perceived problem. Functional perceptions (avoidance of eating) remained unchanged at a normal level of a perceived problem. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Research indicates that with Parkinson's disease an individual's self-perception of functioning is not a reliable indicator of actual function. That is, their current ability to ambulate, communicate, and swallow may be more impaired than perceived. However, it is still important to include input from the individual as part of evidence-based practice guidelines. In this case study, the emotional perception of swallowing ability following tune-up sessions improved and may correlate to improved quality of life overall. Questions remain and include whether the perception of improved swallowing may relate to improved compliance with a comprehensive treatment protocol as well as overall quality of life and health. Additional research is needed to compare dysphagia perceptions of improvement after tune-up sessions and after the complete LSVT-LOUD program. <h3>Author(s) Disclosures</h3> No conflicts for any authors.