Former U.S. Rep. Wexton Advances PSP Care Using AI Voice Tech, Spurs Legislation

Jennifer Wexton, a former U.S. Representative, made significant contributions to federal legislation addressing Parkinson's disease and related movement disorders such as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Diagnosed with PSP after initially being misdiagnosed with Parkinson's, Wexton adapted to her condition by utilizing advanced AI voice technology developed by ElevenLabs. This technology replicates her voice using deep learning algorithms, allowing her to communicate effectively despite the progressive loss of her natural speech.

In 2023, Wexton became the first member of Congress to use AI-generated voice technology to deliver an official speech on the House floor. Her advocacy culminated in the enactment of the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act in 2024, a federal initiative aimed at accelerating research and treatment for Parkinson's and similar disorders. Wexton's experience underscores emerging intersections between AI-driven assistive technologies and healthcare legislation, highlighting new compliance and regulatory considerations for providers and payers engaged with neurological conditions. Resources such as the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) provide ongoing support and information for patients and caregivers managing PSP and related diseases.