Parkinson’s disease – the three subtle signs of Parkinson’s in your voice

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes the brain to become progressively more damaged over time, said the NHS. You could be at risk of the neurodegenerative condition if you find that the way you speak has changed, it’s been revealed.

Parkinson’s is caused by a loss of nerve cells in a specific part of the brain.

These nerve cells are used to help send messages between the brain and the nervous system.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms tend to develop gradually, and only appear as mild at first.

You may be at risk of the condition if you start to notice changes to your speech.

Parkinson’s can affect a patients’ voice in a number of different ways, according to charity The Michael J. Fox Foundation For Parkinson’s Research.

The condition may lead to slurred words, or general mumbling, it said.

Some patients may find that their words trail off toward the end of sentences.

If you notice any subtle changes to your voice, you should consider speaking to a doctor, it urged.

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“Speech and swallowing problems can significantly impact the lives of people with Parkinson’s and their care partners,” said the charity.

“Many people with Parkinson’s speak quietly and in one tone, they don’t convey much emotion.

“Sometimes speech sounds breathy or hoarse. People with Parkinson’s might slur words, mumble or trail off at the end of a sentence.

“Most people talk slowly, but some speak rapidly, even stuttering or stammering.”

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Some other symptoms of Parkinson’s could add to problems with speaking, it added.

Decreased facial expressions and a stooped posture may also lead to changes in the way you speak.

Some treatments may help to reduce Parkinson’s symptoms, however.

Speech therapy is the main treatment, which uses exercises and techniques to improve the volume and clarity of speech.

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Common signs of Parkinson’s disease include tremors, slow movement, and muscle stiffness.

The muscle stiffness makes facial expressions more difficult, said the charity.

Tremors usually start in the hand or the arm, and are more likely to occur when the arm is relaxed.

There are about 145,000 people in the UK with Parkinson’s disease, and it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.

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