Introducing Telepractice for Parkinson’s Disease- Deciphering the Ease and Hurdle – A Single Case Report

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder predominantly affecting dopamine-producing, “dopaminergic” neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. It is a slow and progressive idiopathic disease that affects about 1 to 2% of the population over the 5th decade of life (Jang H et al., 2009). About 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease have communicative disorders (Logemann, J. A et al., 1978). Owing to the existing pandemic worldwide, telepractice has become more common in treating the patients. The present study highlights the outcomes of telerehabilitation of a 79-year-old individual who is a known case of Parkinsonism, diagnosed to have hypokinetic dysarthria. The study also shows us a clear view on the importance of tele practice for speech therapy amidst the current pandemic situation, its effect on quality of life and challenges that are faced with telepractice as mode of rehabilitation for speech-language therapy service delivery option.