Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder caused by reduced dopaminergic neurons of the brain that frequently cause speech and voice disturbances (Mohseni et al., 2023). Of the motor and nonmotor symptoms that develop in PD, tremor, speech difficulties, and muscle rigidity are the most common (World Health Organization, 2023). The pathophysiology of PD is not well understood and there is no cure. However, quality of life is immensely impacted. Collectively, the speech disorder of PD is known as hypokinetic dysarthria, occurring in various stages in up to 90% of Persons Living with Parkinson's Disease (PLwPD) (Mohseni et al., 2023). Hypophonia, or reduced speech intensity, is the most prevalent symptom of hypokinetic dysarthria that develops in about 70% of individuals with PD (Adams, 2020). Symptom management by implementing use of a speech amplification device with behavior management and referral to speech pathology, is key in reducing the impact that hypophonia has on individuals with PD and their carers. The goal of the quality improvement project was to use the available literature and personal interviews to determine whether speech amplification devices could be implemented, effectively utilized, and improve quality of life among this population and those of the population who may face social and economic challenges.
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