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Speech and Communication Changes Reported by People with Parkinson's Disease
Ellika Schalling1,2, Kerstin Johansson1,2, Lena Hartelius3
1Division of Speech and Language Pathology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Summary
Most people with Parkinson's disease (PD) experience communication issues affecting participation. Speech therapy access is limited, and current services need to better address cognitive and language needs for individuals with PD.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Communication Sciences
Background:
- Communication changes are prevalent in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Limited data exist on patient perceptions, consequences, and interventions for PD-related communication impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gather self-reported data on speech and communication in PD.
- To assess the impact of these changes on communicative participation.
- To determine the extent and nature of speech-language pathology services received by individuals with PD.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to individuals with PD via web link or paper.
- Respondents were recruited through the Swedish Parkinson's Disease Society.
Main Results:
- 92.5% of 188 respondents reported communication symptoms like weak voice, word-finding issues, and articulation problems.
- Speech and communication difficulties restricted participation for 25-33% of respondents.
- Over half experienced embarrassment due to their speech; 45% had received speech-language pathology services.
Conclusions:
- A majority of individuals with PD report speech and language symptoms, leading to restricted participation.
- Current access to speech-language pathology services for PD is insufficient.
- Speech-language pathology interventions should incorporate cognitive and linguistic aspects to meet patient needs.