If you are caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, you are probably familiar with two of the hallmark physical symptoms: tremors and impaired gait.
Unfortunately, the disease also affects a person's ability to communicate, which can be frustrating for both caregivers and your loved one with Parkinson’s.
As with many aspects of caregiving, the more you know, the better you can handle challenges. Improving communication with people who have Parkinson's is possible.
Experts in the field of Parkinson’s advise that it is very individualistic, so physical symptoms can vary widely from person to person. In general, Parkinson’s disease often affects speech. People with Parkinson’s may have softer voices that sound hoarse or blurred. Some people with the disease begin to speak rapidly and may stutter.
Another manifestation of the disease is lack of facial expression. This can make it appear as though a person with Parkinson’s isn’t listening or engaged. The nuanced “body language” part of communication can be limited by decreased facial expression and the inability to make hand gestures due to tremors or decreased muscle control.
People with Parkinson’s may often lose their train of thought. Hallucinations can sometimes be symptoms of the disease or a side effect of medication can also impede comprehension and make conversation very difficult.
While your approach to communication will need to change as the disease progresses, there are ways to help you maintain a relationship with your loved one:
Communication challenges can make both caregivers and their loved ones with Parkinson’s feel very isolated. Reach out to professionals to help you manage the responsibilities of care.
As you work to hear your loved one with Parkinson’s, make sure your voice is heard, too.
Caregiving is stressful. Be sure to discuss your needs, feelings and fears with family, a trusted friend or a mental health counselor. Ask questions about the disease and take advantage of information provided by medical professionals.
A local support group for caregivers can provide additional tried-and-true methods of communicating with people with Parkinson’s. Online, try tapping into information from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Partners in Parkinson’s, the National Parkinson Foundation or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.
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