Dysarthria: What To Do When Senior Loved Ones Have Difficulty Speaking

Changes in speech are not uncommon as we age, one of which is called dysarthria. This is caused by weakening muscles that make it more challenging to get words out loud and clear enough for others to hear and understand. 

ATTENTION: If you notice an immediate or sudden change in your loved one’s speech (over the course of minutes, hours, or only a few days), contact 911 or take them to an urgent care center ASAP. This could be a sign of a stroke or TIA, and medical attention is essential to rule out anything life-threatening.

More often, though, changes in speech are directly connected to age-related changes that may be reversible with the right attention and support.

Symptoms Of Dysarthria

Dysarthria is a type of speech condition that leads to seniors having speech that is difficult to hear or unclear. This is different from aphasia or a loss of words related to dementia or other forms of cognitive decline. Adults with dysarthria occur due to weakening of the muscles associated with speaking. 

Symptoms of dysarthria are:

• Difficulty speaking up or producing clear, intelligible words.
• Having to speak in short bursts rather than full sentences
• Trouble moving your mouth, lips, or tongue.
• Slurred or slow speech.
• Changes in the voice (gravelly, monotone, straining, or difficulty varying vocal inflection).

Some of the most common causes of dysarthria are predictable, like those associated with previously diagnosed Parkinson’s, post-stroke recovery, late-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia, and other neurological diseases. 

However, the condition sometimes serves as a sign your senior loved one needs more support. Once you’ve identified the root cause, you can work toward a solution - which may include things like occupational or physical/speech therapy or support from in-home care providers who can help out with meals, exercise, social engagement, errand running, and so on.

Preventable & Supportable Causes It’s Hard For Seniors To Speak

Here are some of the other causes of dysarthria that can be prevented or supported/corrected with a well-rounded care plan.

Medication side effects

It’s not uncommon for adults 55 and over to have multiple prescriptions or supplements from more than one physician or specialist. This puts them at risk for contraindications (when medicines are a bad combination) missed by the medical team or pharmacists.

Scheduling regular consultations with the pharmacist (often the best one to catch these things) is an important part of medication management. A simple shift in doses or medication types may do the trick.

Lack of social engagements

Muscles naturally weaken as we age, but unless we’re experiencing a medical condition or nearing their end of life, speech shodramaticallyto a dramatic degree. That said, muscles that aren’t used enough grow weak. 

Dysarthria could be a sign that an aging adult isn’t as socially engaged as they should be. Ensuring they can get where they need to go, have a social life, and connect with family and friends in person, by phone, or by video helps to keep the speech muscles activated and strong.

Dehydration

Sometimes there is a very simple solution when seniors experience a more sudden onset of weakness, lethargy, seeming memory loss, or difficulty speaking: they need to drink more fluids. Our bodies become more sensitive to dehydration with age, especially with certain medications. 

Dehydration can lead to symptoms that mimic dementia, cause asymptomatic UTIs (urinary tract infections) that tank our immune system, or cause significant weakening of the muscles. Preventing dehydration is a simple step that has exponential benefits.

Malnutrition

We associate malnutrition with people in poverty, but seniors are one of the highest-risk populations in the United States. This is because it gets increasingly challenging to prepare and cook food, especially when you live by yourself. 

Ensuring seniors have access to fresh, healthy meals and snacks is essential so they can get the nourishment they need to maintain their strength, energy, balance, and health - as well as their ability to speak.

If your spouse, parent, or grandparent refuses to eat or claims they aren’t hungry, schedule an appointment with their physician. Sometimes, we have to acknowledge that a loved one’s lack of appetite is actually their end-of-life process. However, if it is more sudden or seems unrelated to their advanced age or known health conditions, it’s worth trying to uncover the why.

A general decline in strength 

Just as seniors who live alone are less likely to remain socially engaged or eat well daily, they also tend to become more sedentary. A decline in general strength and muscle mass can spread to the diaphragm, lungs, and the muscles which have to be strong to speak clearly.

And, of course, exercise is also a cornerstone of general health and well-being, helping to manage existing health conditions, maintain an active body, and improve our emotional and mental health. Speak to your loved one or their physician about the right exercise program to keep their muscles strong and active. This may be any combination of exercises, like walking, dancing, chair yoga, or taking a senior-specific class in the community.

Poor sleep habits

Being tired also slows down our speech and makes it harder to get the words out. This is even more true if someone experiences a snowball effect of the issues listed above. Everything from medications or physical discomfort to anxiety or a lack of mental/physical exercise can make it hard for seniors to fall asleep and stay asleep each night. 

Finding ways to help your parent or grandparent establish healthy sleep habits helps to support the whole spectrum of senior health and well-being.

HomeAide Home Care Helps Bay Area Families Age Safely & Independently At Home

Dysarthria can seem scary or like “the beginning of the end,” but that's not always the case. Working with experienced senior homecare providers is a reassuring way to learn more about what your loved one needs to age safely and independently at home and to minimize the risk of preventable conditions. 

Contact us to schedule a free in-home assessment with HomeAide Home Care. Our consultations take a personalized approach and require absolutely no obligation.