Neurologic Causes - ALS, Parkinson’s, MS, Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Neurologic causes for speech-language difficulties include but are not limited to Parkinson’s disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/Lou-Gehrig’s disease (ALS), dementia and Alzheimer’s. These conditions often affect speech-language as well swallowing, both of which our SLP’s are trained to treat. In earlier stages of PD or ALS, for example, our therapists can provide the client and families strategies for maintaining speech and vocal volume. During this time the SLP is also likely to suggest developing alternative or augmentative ways of communicating (AAC, see more below) so that when the client is not easily understood, or it becomes not possible to speak, there is a communication system in place to have the client’s needs met as well as continue to be able to socialize. Our SLP’s have many years’ experience working with clients with neurogenic causes to their speech-language and swallowing difficulties.