When symptoms make communication challenging, these tips can help

When most people hear the words “Parkinson’s disease,” typically the first thing that comes to mind is tremors. Before my husband was diagnosed, I had the misconception that a person with Parkinson’s was always a cute older man with thinning gray hair and a shaky hand.

For my husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 38, tremors and shaking have never been an issue for him, other than as a side effect of his medications. His initial symptoms were slowness, stiffness, fatigue, an intention tremor, dystonia, and balance issues.

After he underwent deep brain stimulation surgery, we started noticing the onset of a new symptom: speech challenges. We’re not sure if this was due to Parkinson’s progression or if it was related to the surgery. We’ll probably never know.

Over time, his voice has become softer and weaker, often sounding hoarse or blurred. Additionally, he may also speak rapidly and with a stutter.

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The lack of facial expression that he experiences is another characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. This facial masking may make it seem like he isn’t listening or engaged. Unless you are speaking about something terribly boring, he is probably interested; it just might not show on his face.

Additionally, it is common for individuals with Parkinson’s to lose their train of thought, which can make conversation a challenge for them.

Patience and effort are key

If you know or love someone with Parkinson’s disease, you may have encountered some issues in communicating with them. Despite these challenges, improving communication with people who have Parkinson’s is possible. After years of experience, I have compiled a list of ways to maintain, improve, and enhance communication:

• When talking with someone who has Parkinson’s, maintaining eye contact can be helpful.
• Being at eye level is important; meet them where they are and sit down if necessary.
• Sit close enough to hear them, if possible.
• Multitasking and Parkinson’s do not mix. It is difficult and potentially unsafe for someone with Parkinson’s to talk while doing something like walking. Wait until they are seated comfortably before starting or finishing a conversation.
• Communicating in a group setting can be overwhelming for someone who needs a bit more time to formulate a response. One-on-one conversations are more manageable, productive, and less frustrating.
• Simplify things by asking “yes” or “no” questions and avoid complicated sentences.
• Do your best to be patient, and please avoid finishing their sentences. Finding the right words can be a challenge for a person with Parkinson’s, and interjecting your own can add to the frustration.
• If you are struggling to hear or understand, gently let them know and encourage them to “speak up” or “slow down.”

In the end, your friend, neighbor, colleague, or loved one with Parkinson’s just wants to be like everyone else. Please do not leave them out of conversations. It requires a bit of patience and effort. They want to be heard, included, and an active participant in social situations, as social isolation can actually lead to a worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms.

Planning, and using the above tips, can help them and you alleviate some of the communication challenges you may have experienced. Take a step back and listen more than you speak and you might find that you are finally communicating well with your person with Parkinson’s.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.