Parkinson's Disease Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Parkinson's Disease, including details on symptoms, treatment, genetics, medication.

The effects of levodopa on word intelligibility in Parkinson's disease.

De Letter M, Santens P, Van Borsel J

Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Dysarthria is a common manifestation in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease. This study investigated the effects of levodopa on intelligibility in patients with Parkinson's disease. Ten participants were tested during on- and off-states using the Yorkston and Beukelman intelligibility test (1980). Intelligibility as scored by a panel of speech therapists was significantly improved in the on-condition. No correlation was found, however, between intelligibility and overall severity of the disease or severity of the motor problems. EDUCATIONAL OUTCOMES: As a result of this activity the participant will be able to discuss the effects of levodopa on intelligibility in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Published 7 March 2005 in J Commun Disord, 38(3): 187-96.
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