Parkinson’s Disease and Other Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s Disease and Other Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders can affect much more than mobility. Changes in speech, voice, swallowing, and thinking are common and can significantly impact communication, independence, and quality of life. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs play an essential role in helping individuals maintain function, slow decline, and build effective strategies at every stage of the disease.
Common Challenges in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
Voice and Speech Changes (Dysarthria)
Many individuals experience reduced vocal loudness, monotone speech, imprecise articulation, or a rapid or rushed speech rate. These changes can make speech difficult for others to understand and may lead to frustration or social withdrawal. Individuals are often unaware of how quiet or unclear their speech has become.
Language and Communication Changes
While language itself may remain intact, communication can be affected by:
Reduced initiation of conversation
Word-finding difficulty
Slower processing and response time
Changes in facial expression and nonverbal communication
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)
Swallowing changes are common and may occur early or progress over time. Signs can include coughing or throat clearing during meals, drooling, food sticking, prolonged mealtimes, or unexplained weight loss. Dysphagia increases the risk of aspiration, dehydration, and pneumonia if left untreated.
Cognitive and Executive Function Changes
Some individuals experience changes in cognition that affect:
Attention and multitasking
Memory and recall
Planning and organization
Problem solving and mental flexibility
These cognitive-communication changes can impact daily routines, medication management, and social interactions.
How a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help
SLP treatment for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders focuses on maintaining function, improving clarity and safety, and supporting participation in everyday life.
Voice and Speech Therapy
Improve vocal loudness, clarity, and speech precision
Increase awareness of speech changes
Support more effective communication in real-world settings
Address rate of speech and breath support
SPEAK OUT!® Therapy
As a certified SPEAK OUT!® provider, therapy incorporates evidence-based techniques designed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. SPEAK OUT!® focuses on speaking with intent, helping individuals:
Increase vocal loudness
Improve speech clarity
Strengthen voice production
Carry skills over into daily communication
Treatment is often paired with ongoing practice to support long-term maintenance of communication abilities.
Cognitive-Communication Support
Address attention, memory, and executive functioning changes
Develop practical strategies for daily life and routines
Support independence and participation at home, work, and in the community
Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia) in Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders
Swallowing difficulties are common in Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders and may be present even when symptoms seem mild. Changes in muscle strength, coordination, timing, and sensation can affect the safety and efficiency of swallowing. Dysphagia can increase the risk of aspiration, which occurs when food, liquid, or saliva enters the airway. Aspiration-related pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and mortality in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, making early identification and proactive treatment especially important.
Common signs of dysphagia may include coughing or throat clearing during or after meals, prolonged mealtimes, food sticking, drooling, changes in voice quality, unexplained weight loss, or recurrent respiratory infections. Some individuals may aspirate silently, without obvious coughing, underscoring the importance of skilled evaluation.
Our Approach to Dysphagia Treatment
Dysphagia therapy is individualized and evidence-based, with a focus on regaining function when possible, maintaining swallow safety over time, and preventing aspiration.
Treatment may include:
Comprehensive swallowing evaluation to assess safety, efficiency, and risk factors
Targeted therapeutic exercises to improve strength, coordination, and timing of the swallow
Airway protection strategies to reduce aspiration risk
Compensatory techniques to support safer eating and drinking during daily meals
Education on posture, pacing, and environmental modifications
Collaboration with medical providers as needed to support whole-person care
Therapy is designed to be functional and practical, helping individuals eat and drink as safely and comfortably as possible while maintaining quality of life.
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST)
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) is an evidence-based intervention commonly used in Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions to support swallowing and airway protection. EMST focuses on strengthening the muscles involved in breathing out forcefully, coughing, and protecting the airway during swallowing.
EMST may help:
Improve cough strength and effectiveness
Enhance airway clearance
Support safer swallowing by improving airway closure
Reduce risk of aspiration
When appropriate, EMST is incorporated into treatment with structured guidance, monitoring, and education to ensure safe and effective use.
Education, Counseling, and Family Support
Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders affect both individuals and their care partners. Education and counseling are a critical part of therapy.
SLP support may include:
Education about speech, voice, swallowing, and cognitive changes
Training family members in communication strategies
Counseling related to adjustment, confidence, and social engagement
Guidance to support advocacy and long-term planning
Strategies to reduce caregiver strain and improve communication at home
Education is a critical component of dysphagia management. Individuals and care partners are supported with:
Clear education about swallowing changes and aspiration risk
Training in safe swallowing strategies
Guidance on recognizing warning signs that require follow-up
Counseling related to long-term management and prevention
Swallowing therapy is not limited to responding to problems after they arise. A proactive approach can help individuals maintain swallow function, reduce complications, and preserve independence for as long as possible.