How does Parkinson Disease affect speech?

How does Parkinson Disease affect speech?

Approximately 75-90% of individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) have speech and voice disorders at some time in the course of their disease. The most common perceptual speech characteristics include reduced loudness, monopitch, hoarseness, a breathy voice quality and/or imprecise articulation. The exact cause of these speech symptoms is not clearly understood, but they may be related to the rigidity of movement, slowness of movement and reduced amplitude of movement of individuals with PD. In addition, people with PD may not be aware that they are getting softer in their speech and more difficult to understand.
These voice and speech symptoms can have a significantly negative impact on quality of life. The presence of speech and voice disorders can effect communication at work, with family or with friends. Seeking an evaluation with a speech-language pathologist experienced with PD as early as possible is important so you can begin an effective treatment program. You will need a prescription from your physician for this.