As patients begin displaying symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it becomes increasingly difficult for them to express themselves verbally, and they may even become overwhelmed in loud social situations.

Parkinson’s patients with speech impediments often struggle with dual-tasking, or performing both modalities of human speech: first, the cognitive task of thinking about and utilizing language, and second, manipulating the motor functions needed (i.e. utilizing the tongue and vocal chords) in order to speak coherently. Speech therapists can aid PD patients by training them through simple exercises, such as teaching techniques to help them walk and talk at the same time.