When people think about Parkinson’s, they often think about tremor, stiffness or changes in movement. However, Parkinson’s can also affect communication, voice and swallowing. These changes are common but can sometimes be overlooked.
Understanding speech changes
Speech changes can include:
- Reduced voice volume
- Changes in speech clarity
- Reduced facial expression
- Speaking more quickly or slowly than intended
- Difficulty being understood in conversations
One of the interesting points discussed in our webinar is that Parkinson’s can affect how a person perceives their own voice volume. Someone may feel they are speaking normally while others find it difficult to hear them. Speech therapy can help people recognise these changes and develop strategies to maintain communication
Understanding swallowing changes
Swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, can also occur in Parkinson’s.
Changes may affect:
- Eating and drinking
- Taking medications
- Nutrition and hydration
- Social participation
- Quality of life
Swallowing difficulties are not always obvious. Some people notice meals taking longer to finish, coughing during meals, or difficulty swallowing tablets. Early assessment can help identify potential issues and provide strategies to support safe and enjoyable eating.
Why early support matters
One of the key messages from our webinar was the importance of seeking support early rather than waiting until problems become significant.
Speech pathology is not only about treating challenges once they arise. Early assessment can:
- Establish a baseline
- Identify changes over time
- Provide practical strategies
- Help maintain communication and swallowing function
- Support quality of life and social engagement
Speech pathologists are an important part of the multidisciplinary care team for people living with Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s can affect the automatic muscle movements involved in speaking and swallowing. As a result, some people may experience a softer voice, reduced facial expression, changes in speech clarity or difficulties swallowing food, fluids and medications. These symptoms can occur at any stage of Parkinson’s and may gradually change over time.
While speech and swallowing changes are common, there are strategies and therapies available that can help maintain communication, confidence and quality of life. Early support can make a significant difference.
Key takeaways
- Speech changes are common in Parkinson’s.
- Parkinson’s can affect how people perceive their own voice volume.
- Communication involves more than words and includes facial expression, breathing and voice projection.
- Swallowing changes can affect medications, nutrition and quality of life.
- Early assessment can help identify issues and provide practical strategies.
To explore these topics in more detail, Parkinson’s NSW recently hosted a webinar on speech, communication and swallowing in Parkinson’s.
In this webinar, we explore some of the most common challenges experienced by people living with Parkinson’s, answer frequently asked questions and share practical strategies that may help maintain communication, confidence and quality of life.
