February 03, 2026

Speech changes in Parkinson’s often happen gradually. Many people don’t realize their voice has changed until someone else points it out or they have trouble projecting in everyday situations like phone calls, drive-thrus, work situations, and group conversations. Common speech-related challenges can include:

• Low volume or a softer voice
• Struggling to be heard in noisy environments
• Slurred or unclear speech
• Cognitive strain when multitasking
• Fatigue, frustration, or self-consciousness while speaking

Speech changes aren’t just physical. They can also affect identity, relationships, and participation in everyday life. Avoiding conversations, staying quiet in group settings, or seeking calmer environments because speaking in socially competitive spaces feels exhausting can lead to reduced connection with others and increased isolation.

How Swallowing Changes Affect Speech
For some, speech issues overlap with physical symptoms like saliva management and swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), creating an additional barrier to speaking comfortably. Swallowing changes can happen slowly over time, and the signs and symptoms may look different from person to person, but the following are common:

• Muscle stiffness or slowness affecting swallowing
• Reduced coordination between breathing and swallowing
• Dry mouth or low saliva
• Cognitive changes that interfere with swallowing
• Posture challenges that increase aspiration risk

Even when swallowing changes don’t seem directly connected to speech, they can still influence it. Frequent throat clearing, coughing, and unpleasant throat sensations can interrupt the flow of conversation and make speaking more difficult. Some in the Parkinson’s community need to address saliva or swallowing issues before they can even attempt to speak clearly. Reduced coordination between breathing and swallowing affects timing and breath control, which both play an important role in speaking with strength and clarity.

Strategies That Can Help
The most effective approach to improving speech and swallowing is a combination of professional support and consistent habits that strengthen voice, reduce strain, and make communication easier. Try the following:

• Work with a speech-language pathologist early and consistently
  Building good habits as soon as you notice issues will set you up for success and potentially slow the decline.
  
  
• Participate in speech therapy programs
  Evidence-based programs such as LSVT LOUD support vocal strength and clarity to improve and preserve speech.
  
  
• Practice, practice, practice
  Daily voice exercises like vocal warmups, reading aloud, and singing help maintain muscle control and strength, and adding in breathing exercises can further encourage projection.
  
  
• Eat and Drink Safely
  To help reduce swallowing strain, sit upright during meals, choose softer foods, eat slowly, and limit distractions so you can focus on chewing and swallowing efficiently. To learn more, check out this article on how to eat well when swallowing is hard.

Speech and swallowing changes in Parkinson’s can be challenging, but they don’t have to mean avoiding conversation or withdrawing from social events. With the right support, early intervention, and consistent practice, improvement and preservation are possible. If you’re noticing changes in speech or swallowing, speak with your care team about putting together an action plan to keep your voice strong.

To learn more about how to improve speech and swallowing with Parkinson’s, register for our upcoming webcast with Julia Robinson, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 25 years of experience!

January 23, 2026

For many people living with Parkinson’s disease, changes in chewing and swallowing can turn eating into a source of stress. The muscles involved in swallowing may become slower or less coordinated, increasing the risk of coughing, choking, and fatigue. Over time, this can affect nutrition, hydration, mood and even cause certain types of pneumonia.

The good news is that there are simple adjustments that help make eating safer, easier, and more satisfying. With the right approach, meals can remain nourishing and comforting even when dysphagia is present. Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty or discomfort while swallowing.

Swallowing Changes in Parkinson’s
Swallowing is a complex process that relies on precise timing and muscle control. Swallowing difficulties in Parkinson’s often develop slowly and may not be obvious at first. Early signs include needing more time to finish meals, a feeling that food is stuck in the throat, and coughing during or after eating and drinking. Liquids may be especially challenging, as reduced muscle coordination can make it harder to control their flow.

Because these changes tend to emerge gradually, they’re sometimes mistaken for normal aging or brushed aside as minor inconveniences. Being mindful of how mealtimes are currently going and making a mental note to flag any suspicious or recurring incidents that interfere with swallowing can help identify problems before they affect nutrition and hydration.

If swallowing problems are suspected, a speech-language pathologist should be consulted. In the meantime, there are eating strategies that can make a meaningful difference in your daily routine.

Some Foods to Try
The best foods to rely on when swallowing has become difficult require minimal chewing and are easy to control in the mouth. Moisture and softness are important characteristics to look for, but don’t forget to prioritize nutrient density and variety! Here’s a handy list of foods to consider:

• Eggs – scrambled, poached, soft omelets
• Yogurt, pudding, custard, and other smooth dairy-based desserts
• Cottage or ricotta cheese
• Hot cereals such as oatmeal and cream of wheat
• Puréed soups made from vegetables, beans, or lentils
• Smooth mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or winter squash
• Applesauce and other puréed fruits without skins or seeds
• Finely shredded chicken or turkey with gravy or sauce
• Soft tofu or well-cooked legumes blended to a smooth consistency
• Stewed fruits such as pears and peaches
• Mashed or puréed carrots, zucchini, and spinach
• Avocado

Foods That Often Cause Trouble
While individual tolerance varies, certain textures are the most common culprits when it comes to exacerbating swallowing difficulties:

• Dry or crumbly foods such as crackers, toast, and rice
• Mixed textures like chunky soups or cereal with milk
• Tough meats and foods that require prolonged chewing
• Sticky foods that cling to the mouth or coat the throat, such as peanut butter and honey

Which foods you incorporate into your diet are only half the battle. How and when meals are eaten matter just as much, so take a moment to review this list of general mealtime tips and find the ones that work for you:

Slow down
Allow yourself plenty of time to eat without feeling rushed. Take small bites and sips. Pause when you need to. Rushing increases the risk of coughing and fatigue.

Sit upright
Good posture promotes safer swallowing. Remain seated upright during meals and for at least 30 minutes after. This will also help reduce symptoms of acid reflux and indigestion.

Reduce distractions
Focusing on the meal by turning off the TV and other devices that compete for your attention can improve coordination and awareness.

Time wisely
Some people find swallowing easier when medications are working optimally. Tracking patterns can help identify your best mealtimes and maximize the effects of your treatments.

Watch for warning signs
Frequent coughing, throat clearing, unexplained weight loss, or avoiding favorite foods should prompt a conversation with your physician. Sometimes we don’t notice changes right away, but keeping an eye on feelings and behaviors over time can shed light on emerging symptoms. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can implement solutions and get back to enjoying meals!

Huge thanks to Jamba Juice and Jaydon Grant for raising $10,000 for the Brian Grant Foundation at the Trail Blazers Charity Free Throw Challenge on January 15!

January 1, 2026

With the arrival of the new year, most of us are making goals and looking toward the future. We all have areas of our lives that need some improvement, but it can be a daunting task to take those improvements seriously and execute on a plan. One of the biggest mistakes is trying to tackle everything at once: sleep, diet, exercise, mindfulness, social life, etc. That’s when you end up feeling overwhelmed. Tangible progress comes from choosing one area that needs the most attention and directing your energy there. Here’s how to identify your highest‑impact changes and build a manageable plan.

Take a Personal Inventory

• Do I wake up feeling rested most days?
• Are my dietary choices supporting my energy needs?
• Am I moving my body consistently?
• Which areas of my social life feel neglected?
• Which areas of my personal life bring me down?
• What have I been putting off?

Notice which questions provoke the strongest emotional response or would make the biggest difference if improved. Take a moment to visualize how you’d feel if those differences became a reality. If it helps, ask for a second opinion from a loved one and consider ranking your options in order of importance so that once the first item is checked off the list, you can move to the next one. That will help you nest your goals and keep up the momentum!

Identify Barriers

Once you’ve chosen which area of your life to focus on, discover what has been holding you back. Is it time, routines, motivation, environment, opportunity, others’ expectations, or a lack of structure? Define what positive change would look like in the next month, three months, six months, and twelve months, and brainstorm ways you can remove the barriers to pursue the goal..

Create a Simple Plan

When putting together your action plan, aim for small, consistent choices that add up over time and help you build habits. Once something becomes routine, it requires much less effort and intentionality to achieve. It’s just a matter of adjusting and refining it. Here are examples from five common lifestyle changes:

Sleep
Set a steady sleep/wake time and create a short wind‑down routine.

Diet
Add one nutritious food daily and prep one meal ahead of time.

Exercise
Start with 10–20 minutes of enjoyable movement a few times per week.

Mindfulness
Try a 5-minute breathing exercise every evening.

Socializing
Reach out to one person weekly for a phone call or short visit.

Monitor Progress Realistically

In the beginning, progress can be difficult to measure. One of the biggest pitfalls is expecting too much too soon. Look for signs like improved energy, better mood, reduced stress, or stronger relationships. Pay close attention to your physical and emotional states. Are you feeling better overall, even if by a small margin? An upward trend is the best indicator things are working. Remember to treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Some days you won’t have enough energy to fulfill an item in your action plan, and that’s ok. Your commitment to the greater effort is more important than adhering to a strict day-to-day regimen. Success accumulates!

By choosing one priority instead of many, you create clarity, momentum, and meaningful change one focused step at a time.

Last year, Sam Cohen described his Parkinson’s journey, which started with his diagnosis in 2023 at the age of 37. The diagnosis created a lot of uncertainty for this young father of two, but with the help of the people in the Brian Grant Foundation’s Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease group, Sam found a community to support him.

Today, Sam is enjoying life with his family, with gratitude for the support he’s received from our community. In his own words:

My parents just celebrated their 50th anniversary in August, so our family went on a big camping trip down to the Sierra Nevada mountains in Eastern California, where they met. We’re always trying to do more as a family and take advantage of the opportunities to have memorable experiences.

I also started dating last September, and now I’ve been with my girlfriend for over a year. We met for brunch and have been together ever since. It’s brought me happiness, and in my personal life I finally feel like I have some forward momentum again.

I went through a dark time when things were going sideways with my family and I didn’t know what the future would look like. Now there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and with the support of the Brian Grant Foundation, I feel like I’m managing my Parkinson’s. I don’t have to think about it constantly, and it doesn’t have to affect everything. I’m really grateful for that.

I want people to know the value of the Brian Grant Foundation. Everyone I’ve seen join the groups or engage with BGF ends up really connecting and getting something meaningful out of it. I also attended the gala this year, which was a phenomenal experience. One of Brian’s children thanked me for being involved. It meant a lot coming from them. It’s nice to know I’m making a positive impact.I don’t know what the next step is,but I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. And thanks to the BGF community, I’ll have the support and experience of a lot of good people when I do.

As we approach the new year, we hope you’ll consider donating to support our community. Your gift helps those living with Parkinson’s move forward and find their light at the end of the tunnel.

November 21, 2025

While the holidays bring laughter, conversation, and connection, for those living with Parkinson’s, social gatherings can feel a bit more challenging. Speaking, being heard, and staying engaged aren’t always effortless. With a little planning and a few handy strategies, you can navigate the season with confidence and connection.

Recognize What’s Changed

Speech and communication‑related changes in Parkinson’s are often subtle at first. Your voice may become quieter or harder to project. In group settings or noisy environments, joining conversations may be more difficult. Pay attention to changes in articulation, breath control, multitasking (walking while talking), and whether others are straining to hear you. Awareness is empowering. When you recognize these changes and prepare for how they will impact your social engagements, you can make mindful decisions to help you feel more at ease.

Why Holidays Are Tricky

Large groups + more background noise = greater effort to be heard, even for people without Parkinson’s. Socializing in busy settings uses more cognitive and vocal energy, and due to the emotionally intimate nature of spending time with friends and family, there’s often an expectation of “easy” conversation (quick banter, storytelling, sharing jokes), which may be frustrating when those moments don’t flow as smoothly as they used to. Instead of a daunting challenge, these are cues to prepare ahead. A few thoughtful adjustments can help transform potentially stressful situations into meaningful, joyful experiences.

Strategy Checklist

Here is a quick reference guide to use before your next gathering:

After the event, ask yourself “What went well?” and “What could I adjust next time?” to build confidence for future gatherings.

• Plan ahead. Choose which events you’ll attend and set clear arrival and departure times.
• Practice voice warm‑ups like reading aloud and singing the day before and on the way to the event.
• Identify one trusted person you’ll talk with early on as a warm‑up conversation.
• Set realistic goals and be mindful of your energy levels.
• Take breaks. After 45 minutes to an hour, move to a quieter area and take a moment to regroup.
• Let loved ones know early in the conversation that you may be quieter or need more time to respond. Don’t be afraid to state your preferences and needs. Self-advocacy goes a long way!
• Ask your host to reduce competing noise such as TVs, music, and rambunctious children whenever possible.

The holidays don’t have to be draining or frustrating. Remember that your presence matters more than perfect conversation. The people who care about you value your company, laughter, and warmth. With a little preparation and support, you can enjoy the festivities to the fullest and connect with those who matter most.