Understanding and Managing ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis)

5. Changes in voice and speech

How ALS affects speech will vary from person to person, but almost all people with the condition experience a motor speech disorder as the disease progresses. The earliest speech changes may be a slower speaking rate, slurring, or a change in voice quality. People with ALS may use short phrases and require effortful, slow speech. They may speak more quietly with long pauses and a decreased pitch.

These changes occur for multiple reasons. They may have trouble with paralysis, weakness, or incoordination. Difficulty breathing will also make it more challenging to speak. People with ALS may start speaking less or use shorter sentences because speaking can become tiring, especially at the end of the day.