Factors affecting the speech of people with Parkinson's Disease

Summary

Aims: Parkinson's disease is a common condition and frequently affects speech, communication and cognition (e.g. memory and problem solving). Little is known about how Parkinson's disease affects everyday communication, or how cognitive status may contribute to this. Our study sought to clarify these relationships.

Methods: 45 people with Parkinson's disease and 29 conversation partners were video-recorded speaking standard sentences and having a short conversation. Participants completed questionnaires about their cognition, mood and communication. Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative methods, including listener assessment.

Results: The majority of people with Parkinson’s disease in my study had mild speech impairment. However, many reported that their communication had deteriorated and that they communicated less. Listeners found people with Parkinson’s disease more difficult to understand, but cognitive status did not have a significant impact. People with Parkinson’s disease who spoke more loudly and paused less were easier to understand. Those who were more difficult to understand did not necessarily have more difficulty communicating in everyday life. People with Parkinson’s disease who had greater cognitive impairment had more difficulty communicating. Speech and communication difficulties in Parkinson’s disease appear to result from a combination of physical, cognitive and psychosocial (such as anxiety and self-consciousness) factors

Impact: This study increased knowledge about speech and communication in Parkinson’s disease. This could be applied in further research to investigate what the optimal form of speech and language therapy for Parkinson’s disease would be. Therefore, this study could contribute to future improvements in speech and language therapy for Parkinson’s disease

Further Information

Contact: barnish@cantab.net

Keywords: Parkinson's disease, cognition, communication, speech, disability