How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Your Speech

Have you or a loved one noticed changes in your speech since you were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD)?

You’re not alone.

Nearly 90% of people with Parkinson’s experience speech and voice changes. [1]

That’s a tremendous impact – especially since there are more than 10 million people worldwide living with PD. [2]

Fortunately, there are research-backed ways to help you improve your communication abilities – no matter what effect Parkinson’s has on your speech or voice.

What speech changes are common with Parkinson’s disease?

If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may notice that:

• Your speech sounds slurred or imprecise
• You talk at a fast rate
• You repeat sounds, words, or phrases (even if you don’t mean to)
• You have long pauses between words or when starting to speak
• Your voice is breathy or hoarse
• Your voice has a tremor
• Your voice sounds monotone or expressionless
• Your voice is very quiet (or others tell you they can’t hear you)

Why does Parkinson’s disease cause speech and voice changes?

We’re going to get a little technical here…

It’s important to understand that even though Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative movement disorder, it affects much more than your muscles!

Parkinson’s impact on the brain – particularly in an area called the “basal ganglia” – can cause weakness and discoordination with your voice, breathing, and articulation muscles (like your lips and tongue).

Medically, this is known as “hypokinetic dysarthria.” [3]

And 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience it.

But, like we said – Parkinson’s disease doesn’t only affect the muscles you use to speak.

PD can also cause changes in attention, thinking, memory, and language. These functions are important for communication. Because of changes in these areas, you might have trouble finding the words you want to say or not notice when you need to adjust your tone of voice.

Changes in your facial expression and posture are also common in Parkinson’s disease. These might not seem “speech related” – but they can still impact how you communicate. For example, you may notice your facial muscles are stiff or take longer to move, which can make it hard to smile, laugh, or raise your eyebrows to express yourself.

Many people with Parkinson’s also develop a “stooped” posture, where your shoulders round and your head leans forward. This can make it difficult to make eye contact or to take a deep breath to project your voice so that others can understand you.

Can speech therapy for Parkinson’s be helpful?

Research has shown that speech therapy is effective in helping people with Parkinson’s disease improve their communication abilities.

If you have Parkinson’s disease, a speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help you…

• Improve the loudness of your voice and clarity of your speech with research-based speech therapy programs like Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD) or SPEAK OUT!
• Find tools and strategies that will improve the other systems involved in speech – like your thinking, language skills, attention, and respiratory strength.
• Get access to assistive technology – like voice amplifiers or  speech-generating devices – so that you can get your message across more easily if you’re having difficulty with your speech.

Get support for Parkinson’s disease and your speech

No matter what your journey with PD has been like – you deserve a strong support system to rely on. That can include family, friends, your community, and/or organized support groups.

Each Parkinson’s Connect Live group is facilitated by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). You’ll connect with other people and care partners from across the world who are sharing their experiences with Parkinson’s disease. From “Move & Mingle with PD Friends” to our caregivers group, there’s a little something for everyone to feel supported.

You’re invited to join us inside our Parkinson’s Connect Live groups anytime!

In the face of Parkinson’s disease, navigating changes in speech and communication can be challenging – but they’re not insurmountable. With the right support, therapy, and even a little help from assistive technology – you can boost your confidence as a communicator.

At Lingraphica, we’re committed to providing support for you and your communication needs. Learn more about our communication devices and speech therapy apps that you can try for free right now.

SOURCES:
[1] Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d). Speech therapy and Parkinson’s. https://www.parkinson.org/pd-library/fact-sheets/Speech-Therapy

[2] Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d). Who has Parkinson’s? https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics

[3] Atalar, M. S., Oguz, O., & Genc, G. (2023). Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review. The Medical Bulletin of Sisli Etfal Hospital, 57(2), 163-170. https://doi.org/10.14744/SEMB.2023.29560