What is Hypokinetic Dysarthria (speech disorder) in Parkinson’s Disease?

Understanding Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson’s Disease
For many people living with Parkinson’s disease (PD), speech changes can be one of the most frustrating symptoms. Friends and loved ones may start asking them to “speak up” or “slow down,” and conversations may require more effort than before. These changes are often the result of a condition called hypokinetic dysarthria—a speech disorder directly linked to the effects of PD on the brain and muscles used for speaking.

Why does Parkinson’s affect speech in the first place—and more importantly, what can be done to improve communication? Keep reading to discover how PD impacts the voice and how speech exercise can help people be heard again.

What Is Hypokinetic Dysarthria?
Hypokinetic dysarthria is a type of motor speech disorder that occurs when the muscles involved in speech—such as those controlling the lips, tongue, vocal cords, and respiratory system—don’t receive proper signals from the brain. The term “hypokinetic” means “reduced movement,” which explains why speech can become quieter, less clear, and more monotone.

Common symptoms include:

• Reduced vocal loudness
• Monotone pitch
• Imprecise articulation
• Short rushes of speech
• Hoarseness or breathy voice

For someone with Parkinson’s, these changes are not simply “getting older” but a direct result of the disease’s effect on the nervous system.

Why Speech Is Affected by Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease affects the basal ganglia, a region of the brain that plays a crucial role in controlling movement. This includes not only walking and hand movements but also the fine motor control of the muscles that produce speech. When dopamine-producing neurons in the brain are lost, muscle movements become slower, smaller, and less coordinated—speech muscles included.

In addition, people with PD often experience changes in self-perception of their voice. They may believe they’re speaking at a normal volume when, in fact, they’re speaking much more softly, making communication even more challenging.

Therapies That Help
The good news is that evidence-based speech therapy programs—such as the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT LOUD®)—can significantly improve vocal loudness and clarity. Research has shown that with regular practice, many people with PD can regain stronger, more expressive voices and maintain these improvements over time.
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Speech therapy like the Speech Exercise classes offered free of charge multiple times a week by a certified speech therapist also works best when combined with cognitive and breathing exercises, which can help keep the brain and respiratory system working in harmony for better communication.

​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 more than 25 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.
👉 Sign up for the PASWFL newsletter
👉 Become a member (it's free!)
To learn more, visit www.paswfl.org and discover the power of support, education, and community.