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Speech disorders can arise at any point in a person’s life. Sometimes they appear as the result of a traumatic accident or injury, while other times speech problems seem to appear of their own accord. However, sometimes a disease can cause speech disorders.
Lou Gehrig’s disease, the more common term for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is one of the more well-known diseases that can cause a speech disorder. The nerve cells in both the brain and spinal cords die. This leads to people with Lou Gehrig’s disease eventually losing control of their muscles, their movements, and their speech. The disease cannot be cured, but therapy and treatment can help patients live longer. People who pursue careers in speech pathology can help people with Lou Gehrig’s learn to communicate as long as possible.
Another disease that can cause speech disorders is Huntington’s disease. This is a genetic disease that causes nerve cells in the brain to degenerate. As the disease progresses, it leads to mental impairment and disordered speech. Over time, this can cause a patient to lose the ability to interact with others. A speech therapist can help patients maintain their ability to interact with others.
Throat cancer is another serious disease that can lead to disordered speech. Marked by a persistent sore throat, coughing up blood, and other symptoms, throat cancer can also lead to slurred or incomprehensible speech. Depending on the severity of the disease, it can also cause a person to completely lose his or her voice.
Clearly, there are many disorders and diseases that develop into a speech disorder. It is important for people who notice changes in their speech to see a doctor.
