Communicating Challenges With Lewy Body and Dementia

Thank you! So grateful for this upcoming dialogue and grateful for your continuing abilities that allow you to give so deeply to others.

Hello @larryh123

I'm so glad that you started this discussion group about communication difficulties for those of us who have Parkinson's (PD) or LBD or post-stroke symptoms. The speech problem makes ordinary communication difficult and swallowing can be a challenge as well.

Regarding speech, I've learned to speak intentionally (not off the cuff) to use "the pause" in my speech.

Has anyone else tried reading out loud on a regular basis? This helps to keep your speech in tune and to practice "the pause."

Good food for thought about speaking intentionally - not off the cuff.
When you are mentioning “the pause” in your speech, are you referring to the cadence of your speech?
I can definitely see how reading aloud can help with that.
I’m going to try and do that during my morning devotional study. I read, listen and now will speak the Word I am studying.

Peace
Larry H

Toastmasters is a good organization for practicing speaking skills and learning how to use a pause is one of the techniques you learn. As much as I hate speaking in front of a group, I know that it helps me. Sigh, have to get back to preparing my speech for Friday. If you can find a local close Toastmasters club, it helps by providing examples from experienced members and new members for off the cuff and prepared speaking techniques/skills.

I want to share what I find good resources on the subject of communication.
Here is a document with some info.
https://eatspeakthink.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/LBD-communication.pdf

Take a look.
Do any of these seem like they might be beneficial to your situation?

As a patient - I can say all of the tips are good.
I will pick out a few and give an example - from “in here” of how a certain tip helps me.

Maybe it might shed some light.
Patients - please share your thoughts!!

Peace
Larry H

Truly appreciate any helpful suggestions or insight to how this disease is impacting my husband , as each day seems to look different. Thankyou for sharing with us caregivers as the uncertainty of the future is difficult . Just doing our best to take it one day at time !
Thankyou. Kelly

Hi @larryh123,

When I say "the pause" I'm referring to speaking slowly and including a pause as I speak. This gives me better control. If I start talking quickly, I really lose the quality of my speech. When I was in speech therapy and was reading out loud, the speech therapist would instruct me to pause when I got to the end of a sentence or paragraph. It does help your speech to be intentional. Intentional is a great concept when you have any neurological problem.

I also use "the pause" when I'm eating and drinking. Intentionality is very important to me. While some might think that I'm "slow" it is not really the case.

@johnbishop, As you mentioned "the pause" in Toastmasters can you offer an explanation as to how you use it?

Here is an article about the cognitive and social value of reading out loud, https://www.literaturelust.com/post/4-reasons-why-reading-out-loud-is-actually-good-for-you

This article reports that reading out loud will improve your memory, comprehension, etc.

I would love to see your comments after you read the article

Thanks for explaining that a bit more. I can see how this would be of great help. If I get going to fast then I stumble for words, voice tapers off and then my mind cant keep up with my mouth.
Time for a pause to let my brain catch up.

Peace
Larry H

@larryh123 Right, talking too fast always gets me in trouble. Rehearsing what I'm going to say is always the better route. If I'm talking about something that's important to me I really slow the pace down because I realize that the stress of the topic can make me jumble my words.