Stronger Together: Why Social Connection Matters in Parkinson’s Disease

Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects far more than movement. It can quietly change how people connect with others, how confident they feel in conversations, and how supported they feel in their day-to-day lives.

A recent qualitative research study, “Stronger Together: A Qualitative Exploration of Social Connectedness in Parkinson’s Disease in the Digital Era,” highlights just how critical social connection is for quality of life — and why intentional, ongoing group support matters.

Parkinson’s and Shifts in Social Connection

Participants in the study consistently described changes in their social worlds after a PD diagnosis. Activities they once enjoyed became harder or riskier. Friends sometimes pulled away, unsure how to interact. Some people found it harder to form new romantic relationships or felt themselves becoming quieter in group conversations.

At the same time, one powerful theme emerged: there is a difference between being alone and feeling connected. While social circles sometimes became smaller, many participants described strong family support and, importantly, the discovery of new communities through Parkinson’s-specific group programs.

Several people referred to these groups as a “new family” — spaces where they felt understood, valued, and seen without having to explain themselves. These connections didn’t just replace what was lost; for some, they became unexpected “silver linings” of the diagnosis.

Communication Challenges Can Lead to Isolation

Speech, voice, cognitive changes, fatigue, and facial masking were repeatedly identified as barriers to staying socially engaged. Many participants shared experiences of being talked over, feeling ignored, or losing confidence in group conversations. Cognitive changes made it harder to keep up when conversations moved quickly. Fatigue made socializing feel overwhelming.

These challenges can easily lead to withdrawal — not because people don’t want connection, but because connecting feels harder.

What stood out, however, was that participants also described strategies that helped:

• speaking with more intention and loudness

• over-enunciating

• educating friends and family about Parkinson’s

• being proactive about staying in touch

  
  

Speech therapy — especially therapy that focuses on real-life communication — played a key role in helping people stay engaged rather than retreat.

Group Programs as a Form of “Social Prescribing”

The study reinforces a growing idea in healthcare called social prescribing: intentionally connecting people to community-based supports to improve health and well-being. Group-based Parkinson’s programs — including group speech therapy — function as exactly that.

Participants described group programs as places where:

• friendships formed naturally

• accountability increased

• motivation stayed higher

• communication skills were practiced in real time

  
  

Importantly, these benefits didn’t come from short-term participation alone. Long-term involvement mattered.

Digital Technology: A “Saving Grace”

Zoom and other digital platforms were repeatedly described as a lifeline. Participants shared how virtual gatherings allowed them to stay connected with family, attend therapy, join exercise and singing groups, and remain socially engaged — even when travel, mobility, or fatigue made in-person participation difficult.

While telehealth isn’t perfect and doesn’t replace all in-person care, the study makes it clear that digital connection dramatically reduces isolation when used thoughtfully and accessibly.

Why Ongoing Groups Matter — Not Just Therapy

One of the most important takeaways from this research is that connection shouldn’t end when formal therapy ends.

At True Self Speech Therapy, we take this to heart. That’s why we offer a free weekly SPEAK OUT!® group for clients who have completed the program. This group is not about “more therapy” — it’s about:

• maintaining skills

• staying socially engaged

• having accountability partners

• practicing intentional speech in real conversation

• being part of a community that understands Parkinson’s

  
  

Research shows that people with Parkinson’s thrive when they have consistent, meaningful social connection. Our weekly group is designed to provide exactly that — a safe, supportive space where no one has to navigate communication challenges alone.

Stronger, Together

Parkinson’s may change how connection looks, but it doesn’t eliminate the need for it — or the ability to find it. This research confirms what we see every week: people do better when they stay connected.

Whether through family, community groups, or digital platforms, social connection is not a “nice extra.” It’s a core part of living well with Parkinson’s. And when we intentionally create spaces for connection, accountability, and communication, we don’t just support speech — we support quality of life.

"Stronger Together: A Qualitative Exploration of Social Connectedness in Parkinson's Disease in the Digital Era". Moya-Gale et. al, American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology Volume 34, Number 1, Pages 281-296.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a qualified speech pathologist for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.