Parkinson’s disease often affects the patient’s ability to speak clearly and this is often considered one of its worst symptoms. For many patients, the loss of their ability to communicate clearly with others is heartbreaking. These patients have the added problem of feeling like they have some kind of dementia. It is important to remember that a Parkinson’s patient can hear himself very well.

It has been estimated that between 65 and 90% of people with Parkinson’s disease will eventually have speech problems, and these problems can manifest themselves explicitly, including speaking in a monotone or unintelligible gibberish. Sometimes patients hesitate before speaking, which can give the impression that there is some memory impairment or dementia in the patient. At other times, speech is faster than normal and the same words are often repeated over and over again. Again, this can give the impression that the patient is suffering from dementia or impaired memory problems.

Dysarthria is another speech problem associated with Parkinson’s disease. This speech problem manifests itself in such forms as weak, soft, slow, or incoherent speech. As both pitch and volume of speech are also affected by dysarthria, eventually speech becomes unintelligible.

Dysarthria is caused by the weakening and incoordination of the speech muscles due to Parkinson’s disease. The severity can vary from patient to patient. In fact, some patients may have this very severely, while others may only have mild effects.

Speech therapy can often help with this problem for some patients. If speech therapy is carefully introduced along with medication, extremely good results can often be achieved.

Voice exercises to improve the vocal cords and muscles can also improve speech difficulties caused by Parkinson’s disease. Regular voice exercises can be very effective.

Regardless of the therapy used, a person with Parkinson’s disease who also has a speech impediment should always be treated with consideration and patience. Visitors must remember that they need time to formulate their words and then they must pronounce the words through their mouths. It can be frustrating for both parties, the speaker and the person listening to the Parkinson’s patient, but patience and respect must win. Trying to get the speaker to speak faster will only make the problem worse.

Everyone should keep in mind that Parkinson’s disease robs a person of a lot. The fact that it can also steal a person’s ability to communicate only makes it more terrifying.