If a loved one in your home, perhaps a mother, father, grandmother or aunt, is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, have you recently noticed any changes in their voice or the way they speak? Perhaps their voice sounds very hoarse, or they seem to have difficulty finding words or putting sentences together. It is very normal for us to feel a little scared and worried when we see something like this. That is why it is very important to be aware of this. Let's talk about this in detail today.
Voice problems and speaking problems - what's the difference between the two?
The most important thing we need to understand first is that "voice problem" and "speech problem" are two different things. These two are different from each other.
- Voice Problems: Simply put, this is a problem with sound production. That is, any change in the vocal cords or throat muscles can cause the voice to become weak, hoarse, or hoarse. In medicine, we call this condition dysphonia.
- Speech Problems: This is different. This is directly related to brain function. That is, the brain's ability to understand words, think about what to say, and then formulate the right words to say them is reduced. This can include forgetting words, slurring speech, repeating the same sounds (like stuttering), or using one word instead of another.
It is important to understand this difference, as the causes and treatments for these two conditions may be different.
Common causes of voice changes
There are several reasons why your voice may become hoarse or weak. Let's take a look at what they are.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Damage to the vocal cords (Irritation) | This is the most common cause. Talking too loudly, shouting, coughing constantly, smoking, gastritis (acid reflux), and some allergies can cause the vocal cords to swell. |
| Laryngitis | Swelling of the vocal cords due to a viral infection, such as a cold. This usually resolves within a few days. |
| Muscle weakness due to brain disease | Diseases such as Parkinson's disease, dementia, and stroke can weaken the throat muscles and cause changes in the voice. |
| Age | As we age, it is common for the throat to become dry, muscles to weaken, and the vocal cords to lose flexibility. This can cause the voice to become shaky or weak. |
| Throat Cancer | This is very rare, but if hoarseness persists for more than two weeks without an obvious cause, it is important to seek medical attention. |
Causes of speech difficulties
Difficulty in speaking, that is, in forming words, is directly related to the brain. Alzheimer's disease is also a condition that affects the brain, so these problems are common.
| Reason | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Dementia | With all dementia conditions, such as Alzheimer's, the ability to speak gradually decreases over time. |
| Some medications | Drugs that affect the brain, especially alcohol, sleeping pills, and narcotics, can cause slurred speech. |
| Stroke or mini-stroke (TIA) | Sudden inability to speak or slurred speech can be a major symptom of a stroke. This is an emergency. |
| Delirium | It can also be difficult to choose the right words during a sudden loss of consciousness caused by a cause such as an infection. |
Emergency! - Be especially careful about stroke
If any of these symptoms appear suddenly, it could be a stroke. Please call 911 immediately or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Delaying treatment may increase brain damage.
- If you suddenly slur your words or mumble when trying to speak.
- If you were able to do this before, but suddenly find yourself unable to understand what others are saying, write, or read.
- If one side of your face seems to be pulled when you ask it to smile.
- If you experience sudden numbness or weakness in one or both arms or legs.
You can reduce your loved one's risk of stroke by talking to your doctor about things like controlling their blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol levels, weight control, and daily exercise.
How do you take care of someone like this? - Care methods
Patience and understanding are very important when caring for someone with a voice or speech disorder. Here are some things that can help you.
Give your voice a break.
If your voice is hoarse, help your child to reduce talking, shouting, or singing as much as possible. But don't be too harsh in saying, "Don't talk." Someone with Alzheimer's may not understand this and may become angry. Instead, focus on quiet activities, such as watching TV.
Moisture is important.
Moisture in the air can help soothe a dry throat and soothe damaged vocal cords. You can use a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home. Also, take a steamy shower.
Stay away from harmful things.
Keep him/her away from allergens like smoke, dust, perfumes, and animal dander. If you have gastritis (acid reflux), avoid spicy, oily foods, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol. Stop feeding your baby 3 hours before bedtime. Talk to your doctor about this and get medication if necessary.
Tips to make communication easier
- While talking , reduce ambient noises such as the TV and radio as much as possible.
- Give them enough time to answer. Don't try to finish their sentences.
- If you don't understand what they're saying, don't pretend you do. Ask again in a way that can be answered with a "yes" or "no" such as, "Did you ask me if I took out the trash?"
- Use nonverbal communication methods such as writing, drawing, gestures, and touch. Using a nonverbal communication board with pictures of things like "I need water" and "I'm tired" can also be very helpful.
Other issues that may arise due to these problems
Speech difficulties can also cause other mental and physical problems.
| Problem | What you should do |
|---|---|
| Social withdrawal, depression | They try to isolate themselves because they feel that others do not understand them. Show them love and understanding. Talk to the doctor about their feelings. |
| Getting angry, aggressive behavior | When you can't get what you want, you can get frustrated and angry. Protect yourself at such times. Give them space and distance yourself. Inform the doctor about these behaviors as well. |
| Hoarseness that lasts more than 2 weeks | This could be a sign of anything from a common cold to a serious illness. Definitely see a doctor. |
| Difficulty swallowing / Aspiration | This is a very serious condition . Food or drink that gets stuck in the airway can cause serious infections such as pneumonia. If you are constantly choking or having trouble breathing while eating, see a doctor immediately. |
| Severe sore throat, difficulty breathing | If you have a sore throat and difficulty breathing, or if your tongue or neck is swollen, it is an emergency. Go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
Take-Home Message
- Voice problems and speech problems are two different things. They have different causes and treatments.
- Sudden inability to speak, facial drooping, or loss of limb function may be signs of a stroke. Go to a hospital or ETU immediately.
- Treat someone who has difficulty speaking with patience and love. Use simple words and other methods of communication.
- If your voice is hoarse for more than two weeks without a reason, definitely see a doctor.
- If you have any doubts or fears about this, talk to your family doctor about it openly. They will give you the right guidance.
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