Speech pathology & Parkinson's disease in the home environment.

Those with Parkinson's Disease often suffer speech limitations distinct from other neurological diseases and stroke. Symptoms of dysarthria, the clinical term of impaired, uncoordinated, and weakened speech musculature, include reduced volume, breathiness, monotone pitch, accelerated rate of speech, and inability to communicate effectively over the telephone, in groups, and even in quiet one-to-one settings. The author discusses the voice, speech, and related deficits encountered by individuals with Parkinson's Disease and the speech-language pathologist's role in addressing these deficits.