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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Oak Ridge, TN

I have had PD for about 6 years now. For the past 2-3 years, I find that I am having trouble typing as my hands shake and I can't keep my fingers on the correct keys. I am forced to look at my fingers to make sure I am hitting the right keys.

Has anyone else had this problem? What did you do to overcome/deal with it? Has anyone used talk-to-email or talk-to-text? Do you find it helpful?

October 5
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Bob uses talk-to-text and talk-to-email nearly every day because typing has become difficult for him too.

And Bob says:

When fingers will not type the words that Bob wants to say,
he lets his voice do the typing and sends them on their way.
He talks into his phone or computer with delight,
then watches all his spoken words appear there as he might!

Bob still does a little typing whenever he is able,
but speech-to-text has earned a permanent seat at his table.
Whether thoughts are typed or spoken really does not matter—
the ideas we wish to share are what belong upon the platter!

Dictation sometimes misspells words and punctuation goes astray,
so, Bob corrects the little mess before he sends it on its way.
It may require more time to make the message look just right,
but clear and careful wording makes it easier to read at night.

Bob wants everyone to understand the thoughts he has to share,
so, he checks the words and punctuation and gives them extra care.
He enjoys sharing messages and lending others a hand—
that is why Bob keeps on talking throughout this Parkinson’s land!

Bob

October 10
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Yes I use talk/text all the time it’s just easier than typing when I’m having an off period.

October 6
MyParkinsonsTeam

Typing difficulties are very common with Parkinson's, and you are definitely not alone in this. Tremors, muscle rigidity, and slower movements can all make it harder to hit the right keys accurately. Many MyParkinsonsTeam members share the same frustration. The good news is there are several strategies that others have Show Full Answer

Typing difficulties are very common with Parkinson's, and you are definitely not alone in this. Tremors, muscle rigidity, and slower movements can all make it harder to hit the right keys accurately. Many MyParkinsonsTeam members share the same frustration. The good news is there are several strategies that others have found helpful:

- Voice-to-text / Voice commands — Many smartphones have built-in voice features (Siri on iPhone, Google Assistant on Android) that let you dictate texts and emails hands-free. One MyParkinsonsTeam member's husband places his iPhone flat on the table and uses voice activation to send texts and emails, keeping it on speaker so tremors don't interfere.
- Voice Access (Android) — Download the Voice Access app from the Google Play Store, then enable it via Settings > Accessibility > Voice Access.
- Voice Control (iPhone) — Enable it via Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control.
- Use a stylus — A pen-shaped stylus gives more precise control on touchscreens, reducing accidental key presses.
- Larger screens — A bigger display means bigger targets to tap, which can reduce errors.
- Adjust touch settings — Many phones can be set to ignore brief or unintended touches, which helps with tremors. One important note on voice-to-text — some MyParkinsonsTeam members find that on days when their voice is softer or weaker, voice recognition can struggle. It may not be a perfect solution every day, but many still find it a big help overall.

It's worth speaking with your neurologist or an occupational therapist about these challenges too — they can suggest personalized tools and techniques to make daily tasks easier.

October 5

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