Our Lunch & Learn series continues to explore topics that support living with Parkinson’s disease. On June 16, 2025, members of our Program Advisory Council and others in the community discussed the unique challenges that Parkinson’s disease poses to speech and communication. Participants talked about their experiences, shared what they have learned during their journey, and offered resources to support others in the Parkinson’s community.

1. Understanding the Impact of Speech Changes

Speech-related symptoms often emerge gradually and can be easy to dismiss until they begin to affect daily life. Participants described moments when they realized their voice was quieter, less clear, or more difficult to project, and how those changes started impacting everyday communication.

I went to a drive-thru, and they couldn’t hear me. I thought I was projecting. That’s when I realized my voice had changed. — Michelle Garratt

I didn’t realize I was talking softly until my kids told me they couldn’t hear me. — Sharon Kishner

For a long time, I don’t think I realized it was connected to Parkinson’s. People would ask me to speak louder, and I’d just think, they need their ears checked. — Serena Griffin

Others shared how Parkinson’s affects articulation, breath control, and timing—making it hard to speak in groups, jump into fast-moving conversations, or be heard over background noise. Some described having to manage excessive saliva or swallowing issues before even attempting to speak.

Common challenges include:

2. Emotional and Social Consequences

Speech issues can impact everyday life and a person’s self-esteem. Participants shared the emotional toll of being asked to repeat themselves or of opting out of conversations entirely due to the fear of not being understood.

I think I speak less. I’m not sure how clear I am, or if I’m loud enough, and I end up just not talking. — Serena Griffin

I definitely avoid certain situations. Sometimes, like at the grocery store, I won’t go up and talk to somebody I know, because it’s difficult. But also, with larger groups of people. We’ll have meetings at work, and it’s hard to talk with people. I can’t get a word in edgewise or they can’t understand me. — Jess Caudill

I think I get quieter on the telephone too… when our kids call to talk, it starts off okay, and then Pat (care partner) has to remind me to keep going, louder. — Dan Baker

You tend not to go to noisier places. I just did that last week—chose a quiet place instead of a bar because I knew I wouldn’t be able to have a conversation. — Marlene Kendrick

My biggest fear is being dismissed. — Michelle Garratt

Key reflections included:

3. Cognitive Challenges and Multitasking

Several participants described how cognitive load can interfere with their ability to speak—especially when multitasking or surrounded by noise. This included difficulty finding words, organizing thoughts, or managing simultaneous tasks like walking and talking.

If there’s too much stimulation, I can’t get my thoughts together. It’s like you really have to be conscious in your mind to project, to enunciate. And if it’s compounded with emotion or stress? Forget about it.  — Michelle Garratt

If my wife is doing a complex motor task, like unloading the dishwasher, she’s more likely to lose her train of thought. If there’s something else competing for her attention, it knocks her off track and she can’t complete the thought. — Bestin Roy (care partner)

I beat myself up for not being able to walk and talk and think of this and do that (at the same time). But I think sometimes, just give yourself a break! — Lynn Hubert

Examples of cognitive-related barriers:

5. Strategies for Improving Speech

Participants shared a wide range of ways that have helped them manage and improve their speech. Most emphasized that the key is practice and intentional effort. From exercises to devices and therapy, multiple approaches are often necessary. Speech therapy, including LSVT LOUD (focusing on increasing vocal loudness and clarity), was a common resource.

You can do LSVT online… Dan even did it while he was recovering from hip surgery. It was perfect timing. — Pat Baker

I sing in the car, in the shower, during boxing class. Why not get silly and have fun with it? — Michelle Garratt

I’ve been through speech therapy twice, and the second time around, my therapist takes no prisoners. She makes me do it over and over again. — Dan Baker

If I yell sometimes, I can actually talk normal… what I think is normal. — Marlene Kendrick

Reading aloud helps a lot… even reading a magazine, just reading emails out loud. That was part of my (speech therapy) homework. — Sharon Kishner

You just need to engage every day—use your voice, your brain. Otherwise, it gets harder. — Lynn Hubert

Helpful strategies shared:

6. Building a Culture of Encouragement

Participants emphasized that supportive environments—where people feel safe to speak and be heard—can make a major difference. Encouraging one another, asking for clarity gently, and using humor all help reduce the burden.

When I’m at my dad’s (who has Parkinson’s), I say, “Dad, can I first turn off the TV for a moment, and do you mind if we go into the living room?” I’d wheel him in there and just be one on one, because he doesn’t like advocating for himself, but you can have a really good conversation. — Michelle Garratt

I think sometimes we’re hard on ourselves… just give yourself a break on not being able to do everything you want to. — Lynn Hubert

Sometimes it’s like educating people, letting them know what it is you need. — Cynthia Caudill (care partner)

I ask people that I’m in contact with a lot, let me know when you can’t hear me so I can enunciate because otherwise I don’t know that you can’t hear me. So, you are nodding your head — you’re not getting my information, and I will get frustrated. — Sharon Kishner

Reminders for allies and care partners:

Final Thoughts

Speech challenges may feel overwhelming at times, but through therapy, creativity, and support from others, people with Parkinson’s can continue to express themselves and be heard. The takeaway for this group is education, practice, understanding, and persistence—layered with the power of the Parkinson’s community.