The project aims to investigate how Parkinson’s disease affects language functions and communication, and how these abilities change over time. The project will also shed light on the conversational partner’s function in these everyday conversations.

Background
To communicate is something most of us take for granted. We seldom reflect on how we use our voice, or how we move the muscles of the face and mouth to articulate words. Nor do we need to devote much attention to finding the right words in everyday conversations. Much of this happens automatically without requiring conscious control. To be able to communicate with others is not only important for exchanging information but also for our psychological wellbeing and for maintaining relationships. Changes in the ability to communicate are common after neurological disease and brain injuries. 
 
Parkinson’s disease is one of the most common neurological diseases. Around 20,000 people in Sweden live with the disease. It is a progressive disease associated with both motor and non-motor symptoms. Typical motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease are tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia. Examples of non-motor symptoms include cognitive and language impairment. Both the motor and the non-motor symptoms can have a negative effect on everyday conversation. Most people living with Parkinson’s disease will develop voice and articulation problems which can lead to difficulties making themselves heard. Language difficulties such as word-finding problems can lead to misunderstandings in conversations. 
 
The impact of the motor and non-motor symptoms on communication has mostly been studied using clinical tests. Few studies have investigated real-life conversations in people with Parkinson’s disease.  
 
Purpose
The purpose of this project is to investigate how Parkinson’s disease impacts everyday conversation.
 
Goal
The project’s goal is to contribute to research on communication in Parkinson’s disease. We want to broaden the understanding of what is happening in everyday conversations with people with Parkinson’s disease both within a conversation and over longer timescales. We will also shed light on the conversational partner’s function in these everyday conversations.