ABSTRACT
Progressive neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease significantly interfere with patients’ lives, and those of their families. There is a growing recognition that language impairments and pragmatic deficits occur in different neurodegenerative disorders. Changes in communication, brought about by neurological disorders, are most often defined and described in terms of the individual’s impairments of speech and voice or language. Communication is per definition an interaction, a joint effort that makes the conversational partner a key player. This is true in all types of everyday conversations, but especially so when one of the interacting persons has a communicative impairment. Part III of this book pays special attention to the communication challenges that can arise from progressive neurological diseases. It considers its implications in relation to the patient, but also their families and the wider healthcare team; providing illustrative examples, guidance, and practical recommendations.
Progressive neurological disorders (PNDs) such as Parkinson’s (PD), motor neuron disease (MND) and multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause significant communication difficulties. Listeners may hear distorted speech or quiet voice, but challenges for the person can extend way beyond speech itself, to encompass cognition, language, and non-verbal communication. These changes can impact greatly on a person’s sense of self and well-being. This chapter summarises PND-associated communication changes, and explains how to recognise communication hurdles, highlighting the collaborative nature of effective communication, whereby listeners play as important a role as speakers. The chapter examines how health and social care workers can ensure the voices of people affected are heard and understood. Evidence-based strategies are presented to equip professionals to take a tailored approach to encounters with people with PNDs, thereby assuring maximum support for communication, and person-centred care.
