• Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

  • Motor symptoms
  • Non-motor symptoms
  • Constipation
  • Sweating
  • Pain
  • Speech and facial expression
  • Sleep and fatigue
  • Sense of smell
  • Mood and behaviour
  • Apathy
  • Anxiety
  • Thought and memory

• Treatment Options

• PD: What you need to know

Speech and facial expression

Communication between people is an important part of everyday life – making connections outside the home, as well as within the family. This type of communication involves many aspects, including words, body language and the manner of speech.

In people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), slow or reduced movement of the muscles can result in the face showing less expression than usual. These symptoms can sometimes make communication more difficult, and can be misinterpreted as annoyance, disinterest, or as a lack of understanding. Changes to the function of facial/throat muscles can also affect the voice in some people with PD, producing speech that may be quiet, hoarse, hurried or hesitant.

Therefore, it is important that any changes are understood and managed promptly and effectively. A doctor or PD nurse will be able to recommend a speech and language therapist to help with effective tips and exercises for minimizing any speech problems. Advice on good posture, exercises to strengthen the vocal/facial muscles, and general guidance on communicating clearly can all help to manage the situation.