Date of Award

Spring 4-25-2019

Document Type

Thesis (699 registration)

Degree Name

Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

Department

Graduate Studies

Committee Chair

Dr. Nancy Paul, PhD, MS, CCC-SLP

Keywords

Parkinson's Disease, Communication Disorders, Communication Partners, Qualitative Research, Exploring Experiences of Communication Partners

Abstract

The purpose of this phenomenological qualitative study was to explore interactions between persons with Parkinson's disease (PD) and their communication partners. People with PD experience difficulties that can have a profound effect on their ability to communicate. This qualitative study explored the thoughts and feelings of primary communication partners of people with PD. The primary communication partners were interviewed using open-ended questions. The seven participants identified and detailed how declines in communication due to PD have resulted in changes in daily life, including; social participation, daily tasks, and psychosocial well-being. Commonalities that communication partners experienced will aid speech-language pathologists to better understand the effects that PD has on communication.

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