Here are some ways to maintain, improve, and enhance communication
Written by Jamie Askari | July 14, 2026
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.
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.
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