Article

This report describes a 63-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease showing loss
of intelligibility of speech and severely impaired handwriting, despite
undergoing physical and speech therapies. As the patient had sufficient residual
motor abilities and adequate cognitive function and motivation, a computer-based
communication aid with a software program for word prediction and voice output
was tested, and was prescribed after a training period. One year later, the
patient was still using the customized device to communicate and for leisure
time, showing a high degree of satisfaction with the aid (assessed by QUEST 2.0),
which had a positive impact on her well-being and quality of life (assessed by
Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scales). In conclusion, in selected
patients with Parkinson's disease, high-tech augmentative and alternative
communication devices may be considered, tested, and prescribed after a positive
training period. Follow-ups are necessary to monitor the effectiveness of the
assistive device and respond to specific patient needs that may arise with using
the device.

Langue : ANGLAIS