Are you having difficulty speaking due to Parkinson's Disease? Let's talk about this!

Does someone in your family, perhaps your father, mother, or someone you know, have Parkinson's disease? If so, you may have experienced this too. Does the voice of someone who used to speak loudly and clearly now sound a little quieter and slurred? Do you find yourself slurring your words when you speak, or seem to be unable to say what you are trying to say? This is actually a common condition that many people with Parkinson's disease experience. But don't worry, there are many things we can do to manage this condition and make communication easier. Let's talk about it in detail.

Why is it difficult to speak in Parkinson's disease?

Simply put, Parkinson's disease affects the nerve cells in our brains. This makes it difficult to control our body's movements. This affects the fine muscles needed to walk, move our limbs, and speak.

Just think, how many things have to happen at once while we're talking.

• The breath should come out of the lungs.
• The vocal cords in the throat must vibrate properly.
• The tongue, lips, and upper palate of the mouth must move precisely to form words.

Parkinson's disease causes the muscles and nerves involved in this process to lose coordination. It's like a well-tuned orchestra playing each note at the same time. This is why there are changes in voice and speech. In medicine, we also call this condition dysarthria .

What are the common problems that arise during this conversation?

A person with Parkinson's disease can experience a variety of symptoms. Not everyone experiences all of these. But there are a few common symptoms. Let's take a look at what they are.

Who can I get help from for this?

If you have any of these problems, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor about it. He or she may refer you to a speech-language therapist, who specializes in this area.

How can a speech therapist help?

A speech therapist is like a coach for your voice and speaking. They will assess your condition and help you in a way that suits you.

• You will be taught special exercises that will help you keep your voice loud and clear.
• They practice methods of expressing ideas clearly with less effort when speaking.
• We teach you about devices that help make communication easier.
• If there are any swallowing difficulties (we'll talk about this later), that will also be treated.

There are treatments specifically designed for this. For example, Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) is a very effective treatment for increasing the volume of the voice in Parkinson's patients.

Things you can do to make communication easier

While you're seeing a speech therapist, you can also do small things in your daily life to make communication easier.

• Choose a quiet environment: Before talking to someone, turn off any noise-producing devices at home, such as the TV or radio, for a while. If you're outside, choose a quiet, uncrowded place.
• Speak slowly and clearly: Don't try to say too many words in one breath. Say one or two words in one breath. Leave a short pause between sentences.
• Speak face to face: Look the person you are talking to in the face when you speak. Speak in a well-lit place. This will make it easier for the other person to understand what you are saying by looking at the way your lips move and your facial expressions.
• Use short sentences: Instead of long sentences, express your ideas in simple, short sentences.
• Drink plenty of water: A dry throat can make it difficult to speak. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. But avoid caffeine (tea, coffee) and alcohol . They can further dehydrate the body.
• Maintain good posture: If you are sitting in a chair, keep your back straight and your chin slightly raised. This allows the air flow from your lungs to reach your vocal cords without obstruction.
• Rest when you feel tired: It becomes more difficult to speak when you are tired. Give your voice a break throughout the day. Take a break before making an important phone call or talking to someone.

If it's hard to put into words, try these things

Some days, talking can be very difficult. Don't panic at such times, and use alternative methods like these.

• Write: Always keep a small notebook and pen nearby. If there is something difficult to say, write it down.
• Alphabet Board: If you have difficulty writing letters, keep an alphabet board nearby. Point to the first letter of words with your finger.
• Use gestures and signs: Use your hands to show simple things like "come," "go," and "stop."
• Use short words: Instead of saying a full sentence like "I want a glass of water," just say the essential words like "I need water."
• Assistive devices: Devices such as a small amplifier that increases the volume of your voice can be used. Ask your speech therapist about this.

How can family and friends help?

As well as the patient, you, who communicates with him, can make this journey easier.

• Be patient: Don't rush the person you're talking to. Give them time to think and compose their words.
• Pay attention: Don't do anything else while he's talking, just look at his face and listen carefully.
• Ask questions that can be answered with "yes" or "no": It's easier to answer "Do you want rice?" than "What do you want for dinner?"
• Rephrase what you understood: If you only understood part of a sentence, ask something like, "You said you wanted to go upstairs and get... what?" That way, they won't have to repeat the entire sentence.
• Don't guess: Don't try to guess what they're going to say and try to complete their sentences. That can make them even more uncomfortable.

Preparing for an emergency

If someone is alone and difficult to talk to, there should be a way to ask for help in case of an emergency.

• A bell or buzzer: Keep a bell or buzzer handy so you can ring it in case of an emergency.
• Speed ​​Dial: Keep phone numbers for family and emergency services on speed dial.
• Life Call button service: These are small devices worn around the neck or wrist. When you press a button in an emergency, it will alert a helpline or your family. Look into this type of service.

Be aware of swallowing difficulties (Dysphagia)

Along with speech difficulties, another common problem associated with Parkinson's disease is difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) . This refers to difficulty swallowing food, drink, and saliva.

Living with Parkinson's disease can be challenging. However, with the right knowledge, treatment, and support from loved ones, these challenges can be largely overcome. Communication is the bridge that connects us to others. These tips will help you keep that bridge strong.