Common Types of Adult Speech and Language Impairments
Aphasia
Aphasia impacts language skills after brain injury (often from stroke). It can make speaking, understanding, reading, or writing challenging.
Dysarthria
Dysarthria affects muscle control used in speech, causing slurred, slow, or quiet speech. It often results from neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Apraxia of Speech
Apraxia of Speech disrupts the brain’s ability to plan movements for speech. Individuals know what they want to say but struggle to say it clearly.
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Stuttering (Fluency Disorders)
Stuttering involves interruptions in the flow of speech, such as repeating sounds or words. These disruptions can make communication feel frustrating.
Learn More About Stuttering in Adults
Voice Disorders (Dysphonia)
Voice disorders can change the pitch, volume, or quality of your voice. Issues like nodules or polyps on the vocal cords can affect how you sound.
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Cognitive-Communication Disorders
Cognitive changes (such as memory or attention deficits) can affect communication skills. These difficulties often occur after brain injury or due to degenerative conditions.
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Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia)
Although not purely speech-related, dysphagia affects eating and drinking. It often co-occurs with speech disorders and is managed by speech-language pathologists.
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Parkinson’s-Related Speech Disorders
Parkinson’s disease can lead to adult speech disorders known as hypokinetic dysarthria. Individuals may experience a soft, monotone voice and imprecise articulation, making it difficult for others to understand them. These speech and voice changes occur due to reduced muscle movement in the speech mechanism, often resulting from neurological changes caused by the disease.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Multiple Sclerosis affects the central nervous system and can disrupt normal communication pathways. Speech disorders in adults with MS may include dysarthria (slurred or slow speech) and voice problems. The severity and type of speech difficulties vary depending on which areas of the nervous system are involved, but timely therapy can help manage symptoms and improve communication.
Learn More About Speech Disorders in Multiple Sclerosis
Laryngectomy Speech Rehabilitation
A laryngectomy, the surgical removal of the larynx, significantly alters how a person produces sound. After this procedure, individuals may need to learn new methods of communication, such as using an electrolarynx, esophageal speech, or a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) with a voice prosthesis. These approaches help restore speech function, improving quality of life for those adjusting to adult speech and language impairments.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Speech Disorders
Adults who have experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury may develop a range of communication challenges, including aphasia, dysarthria, and cognitive-communication disorders. The nature and severity of these adult speech disorders depend on the location and extent of the brain injury. Speech-language therapy focuses on rebuilding communication skills and integrating strategies to enhance daily interactions.
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Dementia-Related Speech and Language Disorders
Dementia often brings progressive changes in communication abilities. Individuals may struggle with word-finding, comprehension, and social communication. Over time, these adult communication disorders may become more pronounced, affecting the person’s ability to express thoughts clearly and engage in meaningful conversations.
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Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, frequently leads to significant language and communication challenges. Early signs may include difficulty finding words and repetitive speech patterns. As the disease advances, individuals may experience a severe reduction in both expressive and receptive language skills, making effective communication increasingly difficult.
Learn More About Speech Disorders in Alzheimer’s Disease
When to Seek Help
If you notice changes in speech clarity, voice quality, fluency, or communication abilities, consider consulting a speech-language pathologist (SLP). Early intervention often improves outcomes.
Signs You May Need Help:
- Persistent difficulty finding words or expressing thoughts
- Changes in voice quality, pitch, or volume
- Slurred or unclear speech
- Trouble following conversations or understanding language
- Difficulty swallowing safely
Finding the Right Support
Speech-language pathologists provide individualized assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans. With their help, many adults see significant improvements in communication skills.
Contact Our Team at SpeechTherapy.org for an Adult Speech and Language Evaluation