In memory of Jack Spencer

Jack’s story

Quote: “My passion has been to help improve the life of everyone I can who is affected by the condition.”

Jack Spencer, a retired chartered insurer, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2007 at the age of 73. Here he shares his experience of speech and language therapy and his passion for helping others.

“Looking back I realise that the first symptoms of Parkinson’s surfaced about the year 2000, while working in Malta. I detected a slight tremor when I typed or took photographs.

“A major effect of Parkinson’s was initially an inability to do what I have always done in my daily life. It was as though there was an amnesia block between my brain and my body, which medication could not resolve. So with a positive attitude I set out to find ways to reprogram my brain and re-educate my body.”

When Jack moved to West Sussex in 2009, his new GP referred him to the local Parkinson’s nurse, who in turn put him in contact with Nicola Sirman, a speech and language therapist. He started attending speech and language therapy (SLT) sessions at the local hospital and also joined the Horsham Branch of Parkinson’s UK.

Speech and language therapy

“The speech and language therapy sessions resulted in an immediate improvement in my speaking ability. They prevented me from becoming monosyllabic, enabling me to communicate at an acceptable level with my partner, friends and members of the public.

“I also learned that speech disorders are unusual because, unlike some other symptoms of Parkinson’s, they do not respond to dopamine replacement treatments. This raised a question: could other symptoms of Parkinson’s be managed by non-medical means?

“By experimenting I turned a shuffle into a stride, restored my ability to write legibly by using a wide-nibbed ink pen or soft lead pencil, improved my balance by cycling and going ice skating, and stimulated my mind by learning to play bridge.

“I realised at this stage that my Parkinson’s condition sat on top of whatever state my body was in. I am therefore motivated to eat healthily, exercise regularly and get out and about by driving my car. Equally important is to pursue a full social life, with quiet moments and rest whenever you feel tired or want a nap.”

Helping others

With Nicola’s help, Jack decided to start an independent monthly discussion group for people with Parkinson’s at the local hospital in Horsham – partly to continue the SLT work, but also to allow other branch members with Parkinson’s to access the benefits.

Although it is primarily a speech and language therapy group, Jack says it’s also a place for people to share what works for them and re-learn ways to improve their quality of life in a personal, confidential and empathetic environment.

“Since being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, my passion has been to help improve the life of everyone I can who is affected by the condition. Recently I have been involved with the establishment of a new discussion group for companions of members with Parkinson’s, which runs alongside the Parkinson’s group. So far results have been encouraging.

“On my journey I have had really useful support and encouragement from the charity and its ever friendly and helpful staff, resulting in articles appearing in Network News and the magazine of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.”