We use our tone of voice or facial expressions to convey what we want to say. But people with Parkinson’s disease can find it difficult to communicate with others. Because their words and even their handwriting were affected. as a family member Communicating with people with Parkinson’s disease can be difficult. Trying to decipher what they’re saying will become a task, however, so don’t leave them alone or stop communicating with them. All they need is support from their near and dear ones. Just be patient while communicating with Parkinson’s patients.
HealthShots consulted Dr PN Renjen, Senior Consultant in Neurology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, to learn more about Parkinson’s disease and its impact on communication skills.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
You may remember the moment when legendary boxer Muhammad Ali died in 2016, decades after he developed Parkinson’s disease. Dr Renjen describes it as a progressive neurological disease that affects the nervous system as well. with the organs connected to the body’s nerves It is a serious condition that results in involuntary or uncontrollable movements. So you will find people with Parkinson’s dealing with problems such as:
• sore muscles
• Balance problems.
• Shaking hands and legs
• Poor coordination.
Parkinson’s usually develops after the age of 60, but in some cases it can affect adults younger than 20.
Parkinson’s disease and communication skills
Parkinson’s disease can affect speech in many ways. Many people will speak softly and monologue. They don’t show much emotion, and their speech sometimes sounds hoarse or hoarse. People with Parkinson’s disease may stutter, mutter, or even stumble at the end of sentences. most people speak slowly but some people speak fast to the point of stuttering or spilling water Speech problems can be exacerbated by Parkinson’s motor symptoms, such as decreased body language. lack of movement and hunchback posture (signs of Parkinson’s disease). These can give false nonverbal signals or impair the ability to express emotions. Non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as memory or thinking (perception), can also affect speech. Finally, speech problems can impair communication with loved ones and friends. challenge
How to improve communication with family members with Parkinson’s
First, you need to know if a loved one has Parkinson’s disease. They need your help and patience. You can get help from a physical therapist. This is because physical therapy can help them manage Parkinson’s disease. for communicating with them You can improve it by doing the following:
1. Start a face-to-face interaction.
Observe them as they speak and pay attention to their body language, gestures, and expressions. Therefore, face-to-face interaction with them is very important.
2. Ask questions that are simple and to the point.
by sticking to simple questions They can respond with yes, no or fewer words. Longer sentences will be a challenge for them.
3. Repeat the topic.
Doing so will help them understand better. Repetitive topics are good for memory as well.
4. Speak slowly and clearly.
This will give your loved one time to understand the conversation in their own way, so go slowly and clearly while interacting with them.
5. Use creative and interesting communication methods.
You can use gestures or walk while talking to get your family member with Parkinson’s disease involved in the conversation.
