Parkinson’s disease symptom could be heard years before a diagnosis – study

Research, conducted in the laboratory of Professor Julie E Miller, has identified a link between a gene for Parkinson’s and vocal issues.

Professor Miller, from the University of Arizona, said a soft monotonous voice often appears much earlier – sometimes decades – before the onset of movement-related issues.

The study, where the conclusions were drawn from, was based on zebra finch birds.

Songbirds, such as the zebra finch, have a brain that deals with speech and language in a way that is organised similarly to humans, the researchers noted.

The songbirds given the gene associated with Parkinson’s sang less than the zebra finch birds that were not given the gene.

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Moreover, the genetically modified songbirds sang less at the start of a song session, their vocalisations were softer and shorter.

These findings support previous research provided by scientists at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California.

They found that their automated screening methods could predict up to 90 percent of voices from those who have Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s UK, an informative charity, explained: “Changes in the brain in people with Parkinson’s mean that your movements become smaller and less forceful than before.

“This can lead to problems with your speech and communication. Issues may relate to making sure your voice is loud enough, making your pronunciation clear enough and getting the right tone to your voice.

People who suffer from Parkinson’s might find that their speech is slurred or unclear.

Sometimes the person affected by the condition might find it hard to control their pace of speech.

Voice changes can include sounding:

• Unsteady and flat
• Breathy, like you are sighing and talking very quietly
• Deeper than before
• Hoarse, like someone with a sore throat.

More commonly, a person who develops Parkinson’s is likely to have a “quieter voice”.

Parkinson’s UK adds: “People with Parkinson’s often don’t realise that they are talking more quietly.”

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

The NHS lists symptoms of Parkinson’s, which can include:

• Tremor
• Slowness of movement
• Muscle stiffness.
• Additional symptoms might include:
• Balance issues
• Loss of sense of smell
• Nerve pain
• Problems peeing
• Constipation.

Any persisting symptom is best investigated by a medical professional, such as your doctor.