We communicate with our voice and facial emotions. Yet, Parkinson’s disease affects even speech and handwriting, making it difficult to communicate with others. It will be difficult for you to communicate with a family member who has Parkinson’s disease. Trying to understand what they’re saying becomes a task. Do not, however, abandon them or stop communicating with them. All they need is assistance from those who are dear to them and close to them. When conversing with a person who has Parkinson’s disease, be patient.
To learn more about Parkinson’s disease and how it affects communication skills, HealthClub consulted Dr. PN Renjen, Senior Guide in Neurology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi.
What’s Parkinson’s Disease?
You may recall that Muhammed Ali, a great boxer, passed away in 2016, several years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. According to Dr. Renjen, it is a progressive neurological disorder that affects not only the nervous system but also the organs connected to the body’s nerves. a situation that results in unexpected or uncontrolled motion. As a result, those who have Parkinson’s disease must deal with problems like:
• Muscle Aches
•Steady points
• Limb tremors
• Weak coordination
Parkinson’s disease often strikes people after the age of 60, although in some cases, it can strike as young as 20.
Parkinson’s Disease and Communication Abilities
Speech can be affected in various ways by Parkinson’s disease, and many people speak slowly and monotonously. They don’t genuinely show a lot of emotion, and occasionally their voice has a stifling or hoarse feel. The great majority of people speak slowly, however occasionally people speak quickly while stuttering or splashing. The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as poor body language, lack of motion, and hunched posture, can make speech difficulties worse. They may transmit incorrect nonverbal cues and limit the ability to accurately express feelings. Speech can also be impacted by Parkinson’s disease non-motor symptoms as memory loss and thinking (cognitive) difficulties. In the end, communication difficulties with friends and family may make it difficult.
Methods to enhance communication with family members with Parkinson’s Disease
First off, you should be aware that your loved one will need your support and patience if they have Parkinson’s disease.You can increase your communication with them by carrying out the following actions:
1. Start a face-to-face conversation
Observe them as they communicate, taking note of their physique language, gestures, and facial expressions. That is why direct communication with them is so essential.
2. Ask easy, direct questions
By sticking to easy questions, they will reply sure, no, or with fewer phrases.Lengthy sentences change into a problem for them.
3. Repeat the subject
Doing so will provide you with a greater understanding. Repetition of subjects additionally helps with reminiscence.
4. Communicate slowly and clearly
This lets you give your beloved time to grasp the dialog at their very own tempo.
5. Use artistic and fascinating communication strategies
Members of the family who suffer from Parkinson’s disease will gesture and walk while speaking to keep them engaged in the conversation.
