Why a Speech Pathologist Should Be Part of Your Parkinson’s Care Team

When you think about Parkinson’s, you might first think of tremors or stiffness. But for many people, especially those diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s, changes in speech, voice, and swallowing can be just as challenging. That’s where a speech pathologist comes in.

Speech pathologists are trained professionals who help people with communication and swallowing difficulties. They’re a vital part of your multidisciplinary care team, working alongside neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and others to support your health and independence.

Why speech pathology matters in Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s can affect the muscles used for speaking, breathing, and swallowing. These changes often happen gradually, and many people don’t realise how much they’re compensating until it becomes harder to speak clearly or enjoy meals safely.

A 2024 systematic review found that speech, voice, and language outcomes after DBS are mixed, but speech therapy can help manage these changes and improve quality of life. These effects can vary depending on the DBS target site (e.g., Subthalamic Nucleus (STN) vs. Globus Pallidus Internus (GPI)), the stimulation settings, and the person’s baseline speech function. STN DBS may reduce verbal fluency by up to 30%, especially with higher stimulation settings, while GPI DBS tends to have a more stable effect on speech and may be preferred when preserving communication is a priority.

That’s why it’s so important to see a speech pathologist early, even before you notice major changes or consider DBS as an option. Early support can help you stay ahead of symptoms and maintain your wellbeing.

What does a speech pathologist do?

Speech pathologists support people with Parkinson’s in two main areas:

1. Communication

  • Helping you speak more clearly and confidently
  • Improving voice volume and quality
  • Supporting language and thinking skills
  • Teaching strategies to stay connected in conversations
  • Training your family or carers to support your communication

2. Swallowing and mealtimes

  • Assessing how safely and effectively you swallow
  • Recommending exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles
  • Suggesting food or drink modifications if needed
  • Helping you enjoy meals without fear of choking or coughing

They also provide Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) tools like speech-generating devices or apps if speaking becomes more difficult.

A speech pathologist also plays a key role in your post-DBS care team by:

  • Assessing speech and voice changes after surgery.
  • Providing targeted therapy to improve articulation, breath support, and vocal strength.
  • Helping adjust to new communication challenges that may arise with DBS.
  • Training communication partners (like family or carers) to support effective conversations.
  • Monitoring swallowing safety, especially if changes in muscle control affect eating or drinking.

Why early and ongoing support is key

Seeing a speech pathologist early in your Parkinson’s journey means you can:

  • Build a baseline: Understand your current strengths and track changes over time.
  • Learn strategies before problems start: It’s easier to practise techniques when symptoms are mild.
  • Stay socially connected: Communication is key to relationships, work, and wellbeing.
  • Prevent complications: Swallowing issues can lead to weight loss, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia if not managed early.

And it’s not just a one-time visit. Regular check-ins help you adjust strategies as your needs change.

Real benefits, backed by research

Speech therapy isn’t just helpful, it’s proven to make a difference. Here are four key statistics:

  1. Dysarthria is a common speech disorder among people with Parkinson’s, affecting about 70-100%. The type of dysarthria most commonly associated with Parkinson’s is hypokinetic dysarthria, characterised by reduced vocal loudness, monotone speech, and imprecise consonants and vowels.
  2. Swallowing difficulties affect more than 80% of people with Parkinson’s, often without them realising it.
  3. People with Parkinson’s who receive speech therapy show an 8.3–21.65% improvement in communication function.
  4. Early intervention with speech therapy can delay the need for more intensive treatments and reduce hospital admissions related to swallowing issues.

These numbers show just how important it is to include a speech pathologist in your care team.

What to expect at your appointment

Your first session with a speech pathologist will usually include:

  • A chat about your goals and concerns
  • A review of your speech, voice, and swallowing
  • Simple tasks like reading aloud or drinking water
  • A personalised plan with exercises and strategies

You might also be invited to join a group therapy session, where you can practise skills and connect with others living with Parkinson’s.

Tips for getting started

  • Ask your GP or neurologist for a referral to a speech pathologist. It should be part of your capacity building supports in your NDIS plan.
  • Check your eligibility for Medicare-subsidised sessions under a Chronic Disease Management Plan.
  • Use the ‘Find a Speech Pathologist’ tool on the Speech Pathology Australia website.
  • Bring a family member or carer to your appointment, they can learn strategies too.

Your voice matters

At Parkinson’s Australia, we believe everyone deserves to be heard, literally. Your voice is part of who you are. It helps you connect, express yourself, and stay involved in the world around you. By working with a speech pathologist, you’re not just treating symptoms, you’re protecting your independence, your relationships, and your confidence.

So don’t wait. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been living with Parkinson’s for years, it’s never too early, or too late, to get support.

Need Help?

Call our Infoline on 1800 644 189 for more information from your local state or territory organisation, or visit the Parkinson’s Australia Info Hub to learn more about speech pathology and your care team.

References

  1. Speech Pathology Australia. (n.d.). Speech Pathology and Parkinson’s Disease. Retrieved from www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au
  2. Ireland, S., Carroll, V., Blanchard, D., & Rossiter, R. (2022). Recognising and responding to communication and swallowing difficulties in Parkinson’s Disease. Australian Journal of General Practice, 51(4).
  3. Kalf, J. G., de Swart, B. J. M., Bonnier-Baars, M., Kanters, J. K., Hofman, M., Kocken, J., Miltenburg, M., Bloem, B. R., & Munneke, M. (2011). Guidelines for Speech-Language Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease. ParkinsonNet/National Parkinson Foundation. https://www.parkinsonnet.nl/app/uploads/sites/3/2019/11/dutch_slp_guidelines-final.pdf
  4. Miller, N., Noble, E., Jones, D., & Burn, D. (2011). Life with communication changes in Parkinson’s disease. Age and Ageing, 40(4), 428–434.
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