December 11, 2008

Parkinson's speech treatment study looking for subjects

The study, led by associate professor Jessica Huber, will evaluate new treatment for Parkinson's disease related to speech disorders. Participants will be asked to go undergo a 14-20-week treatment plan. Some testing requires travel to Purdue, but other tests can be completed in the home. Subjects will be compensated based on participation.

People interested in participating must have a diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease; problems with speech loudness due to Parkinson's disease; be a native speaker of English; have no history of any other neurological disease; no asthma or respiratory problems; be a non-smoker for the last five years; have a communication partner who is will to participate in the study as well; and have no history of head, neck or chest surgery. Patients who have had a mastectomy can participate in this study. 

To participate, or for more information on the study, contact Huber at (765) 494-6488. The study is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Huber is an associate professor who studies speech physiology and Parkinson's disease.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Jessica Huber, (765) 494-3796, jhuber@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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