A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease affects many parts of daily life, including how a person speaks and swallows. These changes often start subtly. A voice becomes softer. Words trail off. Coughing happens more often during meals. Over time, these shifts can make conversations harder and raise safety concerns. Adult Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease helps adults stay understood, stay safe, and stay connected.

In an interview, Shir Gamliel, CCC-SLP, a Speech-Language Pathologist at Convivio Health, explained why these changes occur and how therapy helps restore stronger, clearer communication. She described the value of early care, intentional movement, and consistent practice. Her goal is simple: help adults keep using their voice with confidence.

“I could really see the improvements in patients from before and after,” she says about the SPEAK OUT program. That early experience shaped her passion for supporting adults who want to protect their communication.

This article offers clear guidance for workers and employees who want to understand speech, voice, and swallowing therapy for Parkinson’s and how therapy supports everyday life.

How Parkinson’s Affects Speech and Swallowing

Parkinson’s affects dopamine, which supports automatic movements in the body. Talking and swallowing are automatic for most of us. When dopamine is low, these movements become smaller and less coordinated.

People may notice:

• A softer or quieter voice

• Mumbling

• Hoarse or strained speech

• Throat clearing

• Coughing during meals

• Food sticking in the throat

• A wet or gurgly voice after swallowing
  

These changes can lead to unsafe swallowing, called aspiration. Aspiration happens when food or liquid enters the airway. It can cause lung infections. This is why Voice and Swallowing Therapy for Parkinson’s plays an important role in care.

Shir notes, “Parkinson’s causes people to use less range of motion… and less use results in weakness.” Helping people move with more intention can support both speech and swallowing.

Therapy Approaches That Support Communication

Speech therapy focuses on three main areas: voice, swallowing, and cognitive communication. The care plan depends on each person’s needs. Two programs often used with adults who have Parkinson’s are SPEAK OUT and LSVT LOUD.

SPEAK OUT’s Intentional Voice Method in Adult Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease

SPEAK OUT teaches people how to shift from automatic speech to intentional speech. Because automatic movement becomes harder with Parkinson’s, intentional movement helps people speak louder and clearer.

Therapy is usually four weeks. Sessions may include:

• Sustained sounds

• Reading tasks

• Word and phrase practice

• Conversation exercises
  

“Everything is intentional,” Shir explains. This helps increase muscle strength and movement.

Swallowing Support

Therapists may work on:

• Safe swallowing strategies

• Strength-building exercises

• Posture and positioning

• Ways to reduce aspiration risk

Cognitive Support

People may also notice changes in memory or attention. Therapy can help with routines, reminders, and problem-solving strategies that support communication at work and home.

Why Home Practice Matters

Home practice is a major part of progress. Shir says, “The home exercise program… is almost even more important.”
During the program, patients practice twice per day. Afterward, daily practice helps maintain gains.

Regular practice helps people:

• Build stronger voice muscles

• Improve clarity

• Carry skills into real-world settings

• Stay consistent despite motivation challenges

Group classes and online practice sessions help people stay motivated and connected.

How Long Until Progress Shows?

Progress looks different for each person. Some improvements appear within a week. Others take longer. Consistency matters more than speed.

Using the intentional voice in everyday situations, meetings, phone calls, and busy environments helps build lasting strength.

The Value of Early Intervention

Starting therapy early often leads to better long-term results. Shir explains that early care follows the “use it or lose it” idea. Building strong habits early helps protect communication as changes occur.

Early care supports:

• Clearer speech

• Safer swallowing

• Better understanding of strategies

• More confidence in daily tasks

Later in the disease process, cognitive changes can also make therapy more challenging. Early support helps people learn the tools before communication becomes harder.

How Caregivers Support Progress

Caregivers help reinforce new skills. Shir encourages caregivers to attend sessions when possible so they can learn cues such as “Use your intentional voice.” This helps create strong habits at home.

Caregivers can support by:

• Encouraging daily exercises

• Helping with safety during meals

• Joining group sessions or classes

• Providing reminders and motivation

Support systems make therapy easier and more successful.

Tele-Rehab Options for Speech Therapy

Some people cannot visit a clinic regularly. Tele-rehab offers a flexible way to receive therapy from home. It is helpful for people living far from a clinic or those who benefit from a blended approach.

Some patients receive LSVT BIG for movement in one place and SPEAK OUT online for speech. This gives them access to specialized care, even if it is not available locally.

Conclusion: Protecting Your Voice and Staying Connected

Parkinson’s affects communication, but people can improve their voice, clarity, and swallowing with skilled support. Adult Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease gives adults tools to stay confident and connected at home, at work, and in their communities.

Intentional movement, early care, and steady practice build strength over time. With help from therapists and caregivers, people can keep using their voice with purpose.

If you or someone you know is seeing early changes, reaching out for therapy now can make a meaningful difference.

About the Guest

Shir Gamliel, MS, CCC-SLP, is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Convivio Health. She specializes in adult voice, swallowing, and cognitive-communication therapy, including evidence-based treatment for Parkinson’s disease. She is certified in the SPEAK OUT program and provides care through in-clinic and virtual services.

About Convivio Health

Convivio Health offers comprehensive rehabilitation services for adults, including multidisciplinary care for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The team supports communication, mobility, and safe return to meaningful activities through individualized, evidence-based treatment programs.