麻豆破解

Key Points:

• Parkinson鈥檚 disease can affect communication, including speech, voice, facial expression, and swallowing.
• Changes in speech and voice are common symptoms but are often overlooked or mistaken for normal aging.
• Communication difficulties can lead to frustration, isolation, and misunderstandings in everyday interactions.
• Speech-language pathologists can help improve vocal strength, speech clarity, and communication confidence.
• Early intervention is important and can help address communication challenges before they become more severe.

Insights by Kelly Shenk 鈥� clinical assistant professor of SLP at LVC

When most people think about Parkinson鈥檚 disease, they often picture tremors or difficulties with movement. What many don鈥檛 realize is that Parkinson鈥檚 can also affect something deeply personal: a person鈥檚 ability to communicate.

Changes in speech and voice are among the most common symptoms of Parkinson鈥檚 disease, yet they are often overlooked or misunderstood. Kelly Shenk, clinical assistant professor of Speech-Language Pathology in 麻豆破解鈥檚 Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders, says these changes can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life.

鈥淧arkinson鈥檚 disease affects movement throughout the body, including the muscles involved in speech, voice, facial expression, and swallowing,鈥� Shenk explained. 鈥淢any individuals experience a softer voice, reduced vocal quality, changes in speech clarity, and decreased facial expression.鈥�

Parkinson鈥檚 disease is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Dopamine plays a critical role in movement, coordination, and motor learning. As dopamine levels decline, the brain has greater difficulty controlling smooth and efficient muscle movements鈥攊ncluding those required for speaking.

For some people, speech changes can be among the earliest signs of the disease. Yet because those changes often develop gradually, they can easily be mistaken for normal aging.

鈥淪ometimes people attribute these changes to getting older, fatigue, or even hearing difficulties in their communication partner,鈥� Shenk said. 鈥淏ecause Parkinson鈥檚 affects the brain pathways that regulate movement and sensory feedback, individuals are not always aware that their speech volume or intelligibility has changed.鈥�

As the disease progresses, communication can become increasingly challenging. Many people with Parkinson鈥檚 speak more softly than they realize, while others experience reduced speech clarity, monotone speech, hoarseness, or difficulty conveying emotion through facial expressions. Some individuals may also notice changes in word retrieval, attention, or processing speed.

These challenges can sometimes lead to misconceptions.

鈥淏ecause there is less facial movement or a delay in responding, many individuals assume the person does not know the answer or has cognitive difficulties, which may not be true at all,鈥� Shenk said. 鈥淧eople may be quick to answer for someone or be less willing to engage in conversation if it places more burden on the communication partner.鈥�

When communication becomes more difficult, frustration and isolation can follow. That is where speech-language pathologists can play a vital role.

Through evaluation, treatment, and education, speech-language pathologists help individuals strengthen their voices, improve speech clarity, and develop strategies to communicate more effectively. Therapy often includes exercises designed to increase vocal loudness, improve breath support, strengthen speech intelligibility, and build confidence in everyday conversations.

鈥淭here will be an initial evaluation to establish a baseline of abilities and measure progress over time,鈥� Shenk said. 鈥淭reatment may include exercises to increase vocal loudness and vocal effort, techniques to improve speech clarity, communication strategies, home practice programs, and education for family members.鈥�

Just as important as the physical exercises is helping patients understand that communication difficulties are a symptom of the disease鈥攏ot a reflection of who they are.

鈥淥ne of the most important things we can do as speech-language pathologists is help patients and families understand that communication challenges are a result of changes happening in the brain,鈥� Shenk said. 鈥淭hey are not a reflection of the person, their effort, or their personality.鈥�

At 麻豆破解鈥檚 Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders, clinicians use evidence-based approaches designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson鈥檚 disease. One such program is SPEAK OUT!, developed by the Parkinson Voice Project, which focuses on speaking with intentional effort and maintaining communication skills through ongoing practice. Another widely used program is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD), an intensive therapy approach that targets increased vocal loudness.

Shenk is encouraged by the growing body of research supporting early intervention and intensive behavioral treatment for people with Parkinson鈥檚 disease.

鈥淭here is stronger evidence for intensive behavioral treatments, as well as growing recognition that speech and communication should be addressed early in Parkinson鈥檚 disease rather than waiting until significant difficulties develop,鈥� she said.

She is also optimistic about the increasing collaboration among healthcare professionals, including neurologists, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and support organizations, who work together to provide comprehensive care for patients and their families.

For Shenk, however, the most important message is one of hope.

鈥淐ommunication comes in a variety of forms and is about much more than the volume of a voice or the clarity of speech,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t is about expressing thoughts and feelings, maintaining relationships, and staying connected with the people who matter most.鈥�

She encourages individuals and families to seek help when they notice changes in speech, voice, or communication, rather than assuming those changes are simply part of aging.

鈥淧arkinson鈥檚 disease may change how someone communicates, but it does not change the value of what they have to say,鈥� Shenk said. 鈥淓veryone鈥檚 voice still deserves to be heard.鈥�

Speech-Language Pathology at LVC

Make a difference by helping others communicate with confidence. 麻豆破解 offers accredited Speech-Language Pathology pathways for both undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students, including an accelerated 3+2 program聽and a master鈥檚 program,聽with guaranteed clinical placements and hands-on experience in the College鈥檚 Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing Disorders.