Cognitive issues can also make it harder to talk. When you can't finish a sentence without searching for words to convey meaning, conversation becomes difficult. I know my husband just gives up sometimes when he gets lost in his thoughts and forgets where he was going.
January 19
Can Parkinson's affect a person to the point where they stop talking?
While Parkinson's doesn't typically cause someone to completely stop talking, it can make speaking so difficult and exhausting that some people may choose to talk less. Between 75 percent and 90 percent of people with Parkinson's develop speech problems.
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Can Parkinson's affect a person to the point where they stop talking?
While Parkinson's doesn't typically cause someone to completely stop talking, it can make speaking so difficult and exhausting that some people may choose to talk less. Between 75 percent and 90 percent of people with Parkinson's develop speech problems.
The condition affects the nerves and muscles used for speech, leading to:
* Speaking very quietly or in a breathy voice
* Having a monotone voice
* Stuttering, stammering, or mumbling
* Slurring words
* Voice getting thinner and softer as the day goes on
One MyParkinsonsTeam member shared: "My husband's voice has gotten very quiet, and it is a considerable effort for him to hold a conversation."
The frustration of not being heard or understood, combined with the physical effort required to speak, can lead some people to withdraw from conversations. However, speech therapy and vocal exercises can help maintain communication abilities. Starting treatment early often leads to better results in keeping a stronger voice as Parkinson's progresses.
January 19
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