Parkinson’s disease (PD) is most commonly associated with movement symptoms, but it also affects thinking and communication. Many people with PD experience slowed thinking, difficulty finding words, reduced vocal loudness, and challenges organizing ideas during conversation. These changes can occur early and progress over time.
Cognitive-communication therapy can make a significant difference. SLPs help individuals with PD increase vocal strength and clarity (through programs such as LSVT LOUD® or SPEAK OUT!®) while also supporting attention, memory, and executive functioning skills needed for daily communication.
Typical goals may include:
- Speaking louder and with more intent
- Improving word retrieval
- Strengthening conversational turn-taking
- Building routines for memory and organization
- Teaching partners strategies such as giving extra time or simplifying information
Early intervention is especially effective, as it builds habits and strategies before symptoms become more limiting.
References
Miller, N., Noble, E., Jones, D., & Burn, D. (2006). Hard to swallow: Dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease. Age and Ageing, 35(6), 614–618.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2022). Parkinson’s disease: Speech and communication. ASHA. https://www.asha.org