There is a propensity to bend the trunk forward and to walk with out swinging the arms. It is common to have difficulties with balance. About one half of all individuals with Parkinson's disease develop difficulty with their speech. The most common problem is a soft or fading voice. Communication can be complicated further by a fast mumbling speech with uncontrollable repetitions of the first syllable.
Some individuals experience difficulty eating because their ability to swallow has become impaired.
Food may collect in the mouth or the back of the throat resulting in choking or coughing. Friends and family members may wish to become familiar with the Heimlich Maneuver in the event of a choking episode. A physician or other health professional can explain this procedure. Symptoms may be nonexistent one minute only to suddenly reappear for no clear reason. These variations can be due to the disease or medications.