Self-Perceived Affective, Behavioral, and Cognitive Reactions Associated with Voice and Communication in People with Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

Introduction: People with Parkinson’s disease (PWPD) experience voice difficulties in the form of hypophonia. The dissertation aimed to describe the psychosocial consequences of this disorder in PWPD. More specifically, it intended to describe the affective, cognitive, and behavioral reactions to the voice disorders experienced by PWPD. Method: PWPD and healthy controls completed the Behavior Assessment Battery-Voice (BAB-Voice). Daily communications partners of both groups completed an adapted version of the BAB-Voice. The instrument was administered via clinician-guided or participant-guided mode. Subtest scores were calculated and analyzed. Results: There was no difference in administration mode. PWPD scored significantly higher than healthy controls, indicating increased psychosocial burden due to hypophonia. Communication partners’ ratings agreed with the PWPD’s own ratings. Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, PWPD experience more negative affective, behavioral, and cognitive reactions to voice. Moreover, daily communication partners can provide valuable information for diagnosis and treatment of the voice disorder in PD.