Parkinson’s

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is caused by the deterioration of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra region. Dopamine is a crucial neurotransmitter that facilitates smooth, coordinated muscle movements. Individuals with Parkinson's disease often experience motor symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability.

Non-motor symptoms can also manifest, including cognitive changes, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease remains unknown, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to contribute to its development. While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, various treatment strategies aim to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals affected by the condition. As the understanding of Parkinson's disease continues to evolve, ongoing research efforts are focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches and refining diagnostic methods to enhance early detection and intervention.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects movement, including speech. One of the most common speech symptoms associated with Parkinson's is dysarthria, a motor speech disorder characterized by slurred or unclear speech. Individuals with Parkinson’s may or may not notice the changes themselves, but often report that others complain that their voice is “flat” or “monotone” and that they are speaking too quietly, among other symptoms.

Parkinson's disease is commonly associated with movement-related symptoms such as tremors, bradykinesia, and muscle rigidity. However, many “non-motor” symptoms can occur, such as changes in memory, attention, decision-making, sequencing, and motivation. These changes don’t happen to everyone with Parkinson’s, but when they do, they are worrisome and can affect one’s ability to complete activities such as driving, reading, cooking, and other daily tasks. See Parkinson’s Resources for more information.

Parkinson's disease significantly affects swallowing, a condition known as dysphagia. The motor symptoms caused by Parkinson’s Disease can lead to weakness and disruption of the coordination of swallowing muscles. Symptoms will vary from person to person but can include complaints of “being the last one at the table,” feeling too tired to finish meals, and/or coughing/throat clearing during and immediately after meals. Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms should consider getting a referral for speech therapy. Dysphagia increases the risk of aspiration, where food enters the lungs and can lead to pneumonia, and speech therapy can help you reduce this risk.

You might benefit from speech, swallowing or cognitive therapy if you have experienced changes in any of these areas that impact your ability to participate in life in the ways you did prior to your diagnosis. For example, having enough difficulty with memory that you forget to take your medications on time, or having to stop going out to eat or to a social group due to changes in your speech or swallowing. Therapy can help you create and maintain strategies to continue participating in your life in the ways that are important to you.

Learn about the disease. Explore the many webinars and resources available from the APDA and the PD Foundation. Come to a support group for care partners to build a community and learn strategies that might help you and your loved one. Check out our resources pages for more information.