Speech Therapy for People with Parkinson’s
Reclaim Your Voice. Reconnect with Confidence.
Changes in voice, speech, and swallowing are common in Parkinson’s disease — but they don’t have to limit how you connect with others. Through specialized speech therapy and communication programs, individuals with Parkinson’s can strengthen their voice, improve clarity, and maintain independence and quality of life.
Understanding Parkinson’s and Speech
Up to 90% of people with Parkinson’s experience changes in voice or speech. These may include:
- Soft or reduced vocal loudness
- Hoarse, breathy, or monotone voice
- Slurred or mumbled speech
- Difficulty being understood
- Rushes of fast speech or trouble starting a sentence
These challenges occur because Parkinson’s affects the muscles used for breathing, voice, and articulation. It can also alter self-awareness, so a person may feel they’re speaking loudly enough when their voice is actually too quiet.
Over time, these changes can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, and decreased confidence — but effective therapy can make a life-changing difference.
Speech Therapy
Speech therapists use evidence-based, personalized methods that address the physical, sensory, and emotional sides of speech and communication.
- Calibrate Your Voice
Many people with Parkinson’s experience a “sensory mismatch” — what feels like shouting to them actually sounds normal to others.
Therapists help you re-train your brain and body to recognize and maintain a healthy speaking volume across all environments.
- “Think LOUD” — Building Strength and Clarity
Programs such as LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT!® focus on using increased effort and intensity to activate all systems of speech — breathing, phonation, and articulation.
The result: improved vocal loudness, clearer speech, and less strain.
- Practice with Intention
Using the principles of neuroplasticity (“use it and improve it”), therapy sessions focus on high-intensity, repetitive exercises that help you carry your stronger voice into everyday life.
- Model & Shape “Normal” Loudness
Visual and verbal modeling helps you imitate healthy speech patterns and reduce cognitive effort — leading to more natural and confident communication.
What Therapy Looks Like
Sessions may include:
- Voice and breathing exercises using deep, diaphragmatic support
- Over-exaggerated mouth and facial movements to engage muscles
- Functional speaking practice (like names, addresses, counting, or familiar phrases)
- Partner or group exercises to boost awareness and motivation
- Carryover strategies for use at home, with friends, or in the community
You’ll also learn practical tips such as:
- Speak with intent and energy
- Take deep belly breaths
- Over-emphasize pitch and expression
- Ask for feedback from loved ones
- Record your speech to hear your progress
Swallowing Therapy (Dysphagia)
Difficulty swallowing — known as dysphagia — affects up to 80% of people with Parkinson’s. It may cause coughing during meals, a “wet” voice, or food getting stuck while eating.
Because these symptoms can be subtle, many people don’t realize their swallowing has changed.
A Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) can:
- Evaluate swallowing safety through clinical and instrumental exams (like a Modified Barium Swallow Study or FEES)
- Provide personalized exercises and strategies to improve muscle coordination
- Recommend diet modifications or consistency changes when needed
- Educate you and your family on ways to reduce aspiration risk and maintain nutrition
Early intervention is key — don’t wait until problems become serious. A referral from your doctor to a speech-language pathologist can make all the difference.
Cognitive-Communication Support
Cognitive changes are common in Parkinson’s, affecting attention, memory, and problem-solving — all of which influence speech. A speech therapist can help by introducing tools such as:
- Routines, calendars, and alarms
- Simplified environments and one-step directions
- Repetition and visual cues for learning
- Dual-task training (voice + movement + thinking activities)
These techniques build independence while keeping communication clear and purposeful.
Community Resources
Staying socially active is one of the best ways to preserve communication skills. We encourage everyone with Parkinson’s to connect with:
- The CLIMB - Indiana Parkinson Foundation's evidence-based exercise program developed specifically for those with Parkinson’s disease. Helping those with PD reduce rigidity, improve functional movement patterns, increase range of motion while building relationships with others navigating Parkinson’s.
- Rock Steady Boxing — non contact fitness curriculum using boxing drills to improve the lives of Parkinson's patients.
- LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT!® programs
- Support groups, educational opportunities and social events
Get Started
If you or a loved one notice changes in voice, speech, or swallowing:
- 1. Ask your doctor for a referral to a speech-language pathologist familiar with Parkinson’s.
- 2. Or reach out to us directly — our team can help guide you to a therapist in your area.
Contact the Indiana Parkinson Foundation at 317-550-5648 or info@indianaparkinson.org.
