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Caring for Someone
with Parkinson's
Disease
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do for a loved one.
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MANAGING PARKINSON'S DISEASE AT EVERY STAGE

Speech Therapy: Be Heard!

Sixty percent to 90% of people with Parkinson's disease eventually develop problems with speaking. Softness of voice, hoarseness, and a lack of clear speaking are all common problems. This is caused by rigidity and slowed movement in the muscles of the throat and vocal cords. It is also caused by a loss of strength in the muscles that move air through that area.35

This problem of softness of voice is called "hypophonia" (high-po-FO-nee-ya). It can vary from being a mild problem to a major one. Often, it develops slowly, and you are not aware that others find that your voice is hard to hear.34

Speech therapy can help improve the volume and clarity of your speech. If you find you're having trouble being heard or understood, ask your doctor to refer you to a speech therapist.

One type of speech therapy used to treat this condition is similar to the training given to an opera singer. It teaches you how to strengthen your voice by shouting or singing loudly.34

Next: Caring for someone with Parkinson's disease

 
 

Important Information about MIRAPEX: MIRAPEX is indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD).

MIRAPEX may cause you to fall asleep without any warning, even while doing normal daily activities, such as driving. Before taking MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor if you drink alcohol or take other medications that make you drowsy as these can increase the chance that MIRAPEX will make you feel sleepy or fall asleep when you should be awake. When taking MIRAPEX, hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, or tasting something that isn’t there) may occur and you may sometimes feel dizzy, nauseated, faint or sweaty when you sit up or stand quickly.

In clinical trials for early PD, the most commonly reported side effects of MIRAPEX that were more frequent than with placebo are nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, difficulty falling asleep, involuntary movement, and constipation. In clinical trials for advanced PD, the most commonly reported side effects of MIRAPEX that were more frequent than with placebo are low blood pressure when you sit up or stand quickly, involuntary movement, difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, accidental injury, hallucinations, and dream abnormalities. You should talk with your doctor if you experience these problems.

There have been reports of impulse control disorders and compulsive behaviors in patients taking certain medicines, including MIRAPEX. If you or your family members notice that you are experiencing new or increased gambling urges, increased sexual urges or other intense urges, such as compulsive shopping or eating, while taking MIRAPEX, talk to your doctor.

Please see full Prescribing Information.

This information is intended for U.S. residents only.