| Abstract [eng] |
The theoretical analysis of the scientific literature was performed. It reveals concept of Parkinson's disease (PD), description of speech and swallowing disorders in this population and speech therapy techniques applied. The hypothesis generated: there is a big need but poor accessibility of speech therapy for people with PD overcoming speech and swallowing disorders in Lithuania. The empirical survey combining quantitative study (written questionnaires) and assessment of symptoms of disorders was performed. The aim of the study was to clarify the need and the accessibility of speech therapy for people with PD. The statistical (descriptive frequencies’, averages’, Chi-quarto criteria) and content analyses were performed. The quantitative study sample – 120 people with Parkinson's disease, 10 of them were selected for the assessment of the symptoms of speech and swallowing disorders. The empirical part of the study includes: assessment of the symptoms of speech and swallowing disorders in patients with PD, the frequency of these disorders, the need of speech therapy, the speech therapy provided, the reasons of not visiting speech therapist and programmes for the treatment of speech and swallowing disorders. The main conclusions of the study are as follows: 1. The majority of subjects investigated have mild or moderate dysarthria; half of subjects investigated have mild swallowing disorders. 2. Some proportion of respondents’ states having no voice, speaking or swallowing disorders, however more detailed investigation shows that they feel and recognize symptoms of the disorders. 3. Patients who think they have voice, speech or swallowing disoders express the need for speech therapy. The real need for speech therapy is even greater. 4. Speech therapy is received by a very small number of PD patients. Speech therapy is provided in rehabilitation setting more often and more intensive. 5. PD patients who may need speech therapy don’t have enough information about the services speech therapist can provide and about the possibilities to get them. The accessibility of the specialists is a relevant problem too. 6. Programmes for the treatment of speech and swallowing disorders are provided. 7. The hypothesis that there is a big need but poor accessibility of speech therapy for people with PD in Lithuania was confirmed. |
