The effects of levodopa on word intelligibility in Parkinson's disease.
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.
De Letter
Miet
M
Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Santens
Patrick
P
Van Borsel
John
J
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013065:Speech Intelligibility / Q000187:drug effects*; D014825:Vocabulary
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa