Speech Exercise & Parkinson's: Why It Matters

Why Speech Exercise Is a Game-Changer for Parkinson's Disease
If you or someone you love has Parkinson's disease, you already know it can affect movement — tremors, stiffness, slower steps. But did you know it very often affects your voice, too? A soft voice, slurred words, or trouble swallowing aren't just “getting older.” They're common, treatable symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD) that up to 90% of people with PD will experience — and most neurologists never bring it up.
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That's exactly why the Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida (PASWFL) invited speech-language pathologist Judy Jenner, MS, CCC, to lead a recent PD Talk, “Speech Exercise and PD: Learn the Benefits and Process.” We've turned that full session into an easy-to-read transcript, and below we're breaking down the highlights — what these symptoms look like, why they happen, and, most importantly, what you can do about it starting today. Keep reading to learn more.

Does Parkinson's Disease Affect Speech and Voice?
Yes. Up to 90% of people with Parkinson's disease experience some degree of speech, voice, or swallowing difficulty, including a soft voice, monotone speech, slurred words, or coughing while eating. These symptoms often go undiscussed at diagnosis because neurologists prioritize visible motor symptoms first, but they are common, well-documented, and treatable with speech exercise.

Why Isn't This Discussed at Diagnosis?
According to Jenner, it comes down to priorities in that first appointment. Your neurologist is focused on confirming the diagnosis and treating the motor symptoms that likely brought you in, such as tremor, stiffness, or falling. Speech and swallowing changes are considered “non-motor” and often get pushed to a later conversation that doesn't always happen. Families tend to downplay early changes, too — a softer voice can quietly become the norm long before anyone names it as a symptom of PD.

​Common Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Symptoms of Parkinson'sWatch for these signs in yourself or a loved one:

• A soft voice or reduced volume that requires frequent repeating
• Monotone speech with little pitch variation
• A hoarse, strained, or breathy voice
• Slurred or unclear words
• Trouble finding words or keeping up with fast conversation
• A “masked face,” or reduced facial expression
• Coughing or choking during meals, or unplanned weight loss

If any of these sound familiar, it's worth raising with your care team.

​The Science: Why People With PD Don't Realize They're Speaking Too Softly
One of the most surprising things Jenner shared is that PD can cause a sensory processing disorder affecting how loud people perceive their own voice to be. Someone speaking at 62–63 decibels may genuinely believe they're speaking at a normal 70 decibels. Ask them to speak up and they can, for a sentence or two, but their brain still tells them they're already loud enough. This isn't stubbornness or a hearing problem — it's called “faulty cueing,” a real, physiological part of PD, and it's exactly why targeted speech exercise, not just reminders to “talk louder,” makes such a difference.
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The Proven Benefits of Early Speech TherapyResearch shared during the talk shows that early, consistent speech exercise can:

• Increase vocal loudness and improve speech clarity
• Improve swallow safety and reduce choking risk
• Take advantage of neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to build new pathways with practice
• Maintain confidence in social settings and reduce isolation and depression
• Improve quality of life (QoL) scores
• Slow the long-term decline in speech function
• Reduce hospitalizations related to aspiration pneumonia

The takeaway: starting speech exercise early, even before symptoms feel serious, is far easier than trying to recover ground later.

​Free Speech Exercise Groups Through PASWFL
You don't need a referral or a formal diagnosis of a speech problem to start. PASWFL offers free speech exercise groups multiple times each week, year-round, live on Zoom, so members can join from home, from anywhere, no computer experience required. Groups include breathing, oral motor, facial expression, swallowing, loudness, and intonation exercises in a supportive, social setting. They're not a substitute for one-on-one speech therapy such as LSVT LOUD or SPEAK OUT!, but they're an excellent, free way to start now.

​Frequently Asked Questions
What is LSVT LOUD?
LSVT LOUD (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) is a certified, research-backed speech therapy program designed specifically for people with Parkinson's disease to increase vocal loudness.
Do I need a doctor's referral to join a PASWFL speech group?
No. PASWFL's speech exercise groups are free and open to all members; no referral or diagnosis of a speech disorder is required to attend.
Can speech therapy really help Parkinson's disease?
Yes. Research shows early speech therapy and exercise can improve vocal loudness, speech clarity, swallow safety, and overall quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease.
Is PASWFL membership really free?
Yes. Membership and programs are free and confidential, and open to anyone touched by PD, regardless of where they live.

​Why Support Matters
A diagnosis of any form of Parkinson's can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and resources, individuals can maintain independence, quality of life, and emotional well-being.
For resources, referrals, and support in navigating Parkinson's and related conditions, contact the Parkinson's Association of Southwest Florida at www.paswfl.org or call 239-417-3465.

For 30 years, PASWFL has provided free, high-quality services and programs to individuals and families touched by Parkinson's disease in Southwest Florida. Their goal is simple: help people live well with PD, regardless of where they are in their journey.

Each week, PASWFL offers more than 25 free programs and support groups, including:

• Wellness and fitness classes
• Speech Exercise classes
• Educational seminars
• Support for care partners
• Support groups

There are no fees to become a member, and PASWFL welcomes anyone touched by PD.

Take the First Step Toward Living Well
If you suspect early Parkinson's or have been recently diagnosed, you don't have to face it alone.
👉 Click here to sign up for the PASWFL newsletter
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup-enews.html
👉 Click here to become a member — it's free and confidential
https://parkinsonassociationswfl.org/signup.html
To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.
You don't have to live in SWFL to benefit from membership to the PASWFL. Membership is free and open to anyone with PD, their care partners or family members.