Enhancing Communication with a Person with Parkinson’s
The purpose of this help sheet is to provide a general overview of communication challenges that can sometimes be associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). It is also intended to provide you – the carepartner/caregiver, friend, or family member – with some tools for improving your communication and enhancing your interactions with the person you care about.
As PD progresses, some people begin to experience a decreased ability to communicate effectively with others. People with PD can have a great deal of difficulty expressing themselves, and caregivers, as well as others, may find it equally difficult to understand what is being said. This can be an uncomfortable and frustrating experience for everyone.
Remember that everyone is different, and not all people with Parkinson’s develop these symptoms.
Some of the reasons people with PD have difficulty expressing themselves include:
Physical changes, such as:
- lack of facial expression due to facial masking (a symptom also known as hypomimia)
- decrease in body language
- loss of voice volume and voice quality
Cognitive changes, such as:
- difficulty concentrating and following a conversation
- slower thought process, leading to slower responses
- forgetfulness
- difficulty finding or remembering words
It is important for carepartners and others to learn new and different ways to communicate in order to stay closely connected to the person with Parkinson’s.
Strategies
Contact a registered Speech-Language Pathologist.
Communication difficulties can occur at any stage of Parkinson’s disease; however, more difficulties may arise as the disease progresses. It is worthwhile for those with PD to contact a Registered Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in order to receive an assessment and obtain treatment options. Note that seeking services from an SLP prior to any signs of difficulty with communication is a great approach to being proactive in your treatment planning.
Choose the best time to communicate.
“Off” periods (when medication is not working and symptoms are poorly controlled), excessive daytime sleepiness, and periods of anxiety and depression may get in the way of effective communication. “On” periods (when medication is working optimally) can be a better time to have a conversation. Sitting in a sturdy chair will also provide the best support for your diaphragm, which will allow you to breathe properly and articulate your words better (Becker, n.d.). The person with PD may also choose to rest their voice before a longer conversation, because vocal fatigue can have a significant effect on speaking ability (Becker, n.d).
Focus your attention.
If possible, reserve important conversations until you are able to look directly at each other for a length of time, in a well-lit room or environment (Becker, n.d.). Make eye contact, pay attention to body language, and encourage the person with PD to speak loudly. You may also wish to reduce distractions, such as by turning off the television or radio. Additionally, some people with Parkinson’s may prefer to socialize and communicate in smaller groups, and may become overwhelmed in larger crowds. Always check in with your loved one to ensure you respect their preferences.
Slow your pace.
You may be a person who naturally speaks very quickly. If this is the case, you may need to slow down to the point where you are closer to the pace of the person with PD. This will help the person feel more comfortable and reduce the need to respond quickly. Take a deep breath and keep listening! Silence does not mean that there is nothing happening – there is usually a lot going on inside. Be positive and reassuring, and give ample time for the person to respond. You can also use short phrases, and limit yourself to one or two words per breath (Becker, n.d.).
Don’t forget to consider hearing or vision problems – for both of you!
Make sure both of you are attending to hearing and vision needs and are using a hearing aid and/or the right glasses if needed.
View communication as a partnership.
Avoid over-correcting errors made by the person with Parkinson’s and avoid completing their sentences. Be mindful that you both have a role in making communication successful. Also, be aware that learning to recognize disease-related changes and learning new communication strategies takes time. At times, you may need to adapt and use alternate forms of communication, such as writing (Becker, n.d.). Be patient with yourself and your loved one.
Sources
Becker, S. (n.d.). Communication Tips for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). https://specialtyhospitalcj.com/communication-tips-for-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-pd
Last updated: January 23, 2024