Treatment
A Speech Language Pathologist will treat a client with Huntington’s Disease by:
- Assess swallow function
- Interview the client on their swallowing/difficulties
- Oral motor exam: Cranial Nerves, voice and cough strength, breath support “ah”, articulatory agility (tongue, lips)
- Food trails
- Instrumental exam- modified barium swallow study
- Assess speech, language, and cognition
- Speech: articulation, phonation, coordination
- Language: expressive and receptive
- Cognition: attention, memory, problem solving
- Offer guidance for safe swallowing
- Keeping a journal of swallowing difficulties
- Keep consistent mealtimes
- Sit upright and support head if needed during swallowing
- Use a straw or cup with a lid
- Use weighted utensils and plastic dishes with rims
- Put utensils down between bites to monitor rate of eating
- Cough every few bites to remove residue
- Sip water throughout the day
- Make suggestions for efficient nutrition
- Cook food longer to make them softer
- Chop foods/finely grind them
- Add sauces and condiments
- Puree foods if chewing is difficult
- add high calorie, nutrient dense foods to blender for shakes and soups
- Thicken liquids if coughing is consistent when drinking
- Swap hard foods for soft ones
- Assist with effective communication
- Engage the listener and speaker in communication
- Listener must accept the responsibility for the conversation exchange
- Support
- Treatment plans/ modifications for client and caregiver
- Assistive communication devices