Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects far more than movement. For many people, it gradually impacts speech, facial expression, and swallowing—making it harder to be heard, understood, or enjoy meals comfortably. These symptoms may start subtly but can significantly interfere with quality of life over time.
As a speech-language pathologist, I help adults with Parkinson’s preserve their ability to speak, eat, and engage with the people and activities they love. My therapy approach focuses on early intervention, daily function, and long-term support.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that affects how the brain controls movement. It occurs when cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra become damaged or die. These cells are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger that plays a critical role in coordinating smooth and purposeful movement.
As dopamine levels decrease, the brain's ability to regulate movement becomes impaired, leading to a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms.
Core Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Tremor: Often begins in one hand, especially when at rest
Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making everyday tasks more difficult
Rigidity: Muscle stiffness that can limit range of motion
Postural instability: Poor balance and increased risk of falls
Common Non-Motor Symptoms
Speech and voice changes: Soft, monotone, or slurred speech
Swallowing problems (dysphagia): Difficulty chewing or safely swallowing food and liquids
Facial masking: Reduced facial expression due to decreased muscle movement
Cognitive changes: Memory issues, slowed thinking, or trouble with planning
Mood disorders: Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common
Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, vivid dreams, or REM sleep behavior disorder
Autonomic dysfunction: Issues with blood pressure, digestion, or temperature regulation
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of Parkinson’s is still not fully understood. It’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Most cases are considered idiopathic (no known cause), but some are linked to inherited gene mutations or exposure to certain toxins.
Parkinson’s typically develops in people over the age of 60, but younger-onset cases do occur.
Is There a Cure?
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but a variety of treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include:
Medications, such as levodopa, to replace or mimic dopamine
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for advanced cases
Physical, occupational, and speech therapy to maintain movement, independence, and communication
How Parkinson’s Affects Speech and Swallowing
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate movement. It commonly impacts speech and swallowing in ways that may include:
A voice that becomes soft, hoarse, or monotone
Slurred or imprecise speech
Reduced facial expression (often called a “masked face”)
Difficulty chewing or swallowing safely (dysphagia)
Drooling or dry mouth
Trouble initiating speech or getting words out smoothly
These symptoms tend to progress over time—but therapy can help slow the decline and improve communication in meaningful ways.
What Therapy Can Help With
Therapy for Parkinson’s is highly specialized. My goal is to help each individual maximize their communication and swallowing abilities for as long as possible. Depending on the stage and specific symptoms, our work may focus on:
Voice therapy to increase vocal loudness and clarity
Articulation exercises to improve how clearly speech is produced
Breathing and pacing strategies to help with vocal projection and sentence flow
Facial and oral motor exercises to support expression and muscle control
Swallowing strategies to make eating safer and more comfortable
Communication tools or cues to support conversation in later stages
For many clients with Parkinson’s, I use techniques drawn from LSVT LOUD®, an evidence-based voice therapy program developed specifically for this population. The approach focuses on speaking with intent and effort to counteract the reduced vocal volume and expression that often accompany Parkinson’s.
When to Begin Therapy
One of the most important things I share with individuals and families is this: don’t wait until speech becomes a major problem. Starting therapy early—even when symptoms are mild—can help maintain function and independence longer. It’s often easier to preserve abilities than to rebuild them after significant decline.
If you’ve noticed that people are asking you to repeat yourself more often, or if your loved one’s voice seems softer or harder to follow, that’s a good time to begin.
Swallowing Support
Many individuals with Parkinson’s experience changes in swallowing that increase the risk of choking, coughing during meals, or even aspiration pneumonia. In therapy, I assess swallowing function and work on strengthening the muscles involved, improving coordination, and introducing strategies to reduce risk—such as posture changes, pacing techniques, and diet adjustments.
My Approach
I work with adults across Palm Beach County, including in-home sessions for those in Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and surrounding areas. Each therapy plan is tailored to the individual, and I offer caregiver education as well, so families can better support communication and nutrition at home.
Therapy sessions may include:
Customized voice and speech exercises
Structured home practice routines
Ongoing progress monitoring and plan updates
Guidance on communication aids, if needed later in the disease
Get the Support You Deserve
If Parkinson’s is beginning to affect your voice, swallowing, or communication, you don’t have to face it alone. Therapy can help you stay connected, stay safe, and stay in control.
Contact me to learn more about Parkinson’s therapy or schedule an initial consultation.