Sadly, there are several reasons why an older adult may lose their speech. These reasons includes Laryngitis, Spasmodic Dysphonia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Irritation of the vocal cords. Some healthcare services like in-home private nursing NAPA CA help with these problems.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Those with spasmodic dysphonia is unable to produce a clear and steady voice. The condition affects people of all ages. It can occur after an upper respiratory infection or after voice overuse. In most cases, the situation is nonprogressive.

Spasmodic dysphonia is a disorder that affects the laryngeal muscles. During the speech, the muscles spasm, disrupting everyday speech sounds and making it difficult to produce a clear, steady voice. This condition affects 50,000 people in North America.

Spasmodic dysphonia can be treated with botulinum toxin. The toxin is produced by Clostridium botulinum and blocks nerve impulses, weakening the muscles. The toxin is injected into the affected muscles, reducing the spasms for up to three to four months. The American Academy of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery approves Botox injections.

Irritation of the Vocal Cords

Various diseases and other conditions can irritate the vocal cords, a common reason the elderly lose their speech. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of these disorders and treat them as soon as possible. In addition, some medical conditions can cause chronic laryngitis, which may result in losing your voice.

Chronic laryngitis is caused by inflammation of the larynx. The inflammation causes the vocal cords to become swollen. A viral infection usually causes it, but other conditions can also contribute to the state.

Symptoms of laryngitis include coughing, fever, hoarseness, and difficulty speaking. In addition, it can be a symptom of other illnesses, such as asthma. If the condition is severe, you may need to undergo surgery.

A few common causes of laryngitis include smoking and acid reflux. In addition, it can be a side effect of certain medications, such as inhalers.

ALS

ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that causes muscles to weaken. In some cases, muscles become so weakened that people can no longer speak, move, swallow or breathe.

This disorder has two subtypes: sporadic ALS and familial ALS. Familial ALS is caused by genetic irregularities in one or more genes. Some of the genes involved include TARDBP, FUS, and C9ORF72.

ALS is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. The nerve cells that are affected are called motor neurons. These cells receive instructions from the brain and spinal cord and send messages to the muscles.

The motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord degenerate. The muscles begin to weaken, resulting in atrophy.

Some patients may develop problems with memory, speech, and breathing. These symptoms may become severe enough to qualify as dementia. These severe brain disorders interfere with memory, attention, planning, and organized thinking.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include memory loss, difficulty with reasoning, and loss of sight, hearing, or other senses. It also involves repetitive behaviors. If you notice these symptoms, visiting your doctor is essential. This can help you slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and protect your health.

People with Alzheimer’s disease have fewer nerve cells in their brains. These cells are a major part of the brain’s communication networks. They help the brain process information, generate energy, and construct equipment. Unfortunately, these brain cells also need oxygen and fuel to operate. They receive their supplies from the blood and brain tissues. Eventually, the cells die without a supply of nutrients. They are then unable to do their jobs.

Scientists have identified three rare genes that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. One of these genes is the APOE e4 allele. It is a genetic variant with a 25% to 30% chance of increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Laryngitis

Symptoms of laryngitis vary depending on the severity of the inflammation in the throat. Generally, symptoms will improve with rest and avoiding throat irritants. However, if symptoms last more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention. If symptoms are severe, you may need to be hospitalized.

Some of the causes of laryngitis are infection, irritation, and overuse. Viral infections are common. A viral infection usually clears up on its own. However, a bacterial infection may require antibiotics to treat. You may also need to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Acute laryngitis usually lasts less than 14 days. A respiratory virus, such as the flu or a cold cause it. It is generally self-limiting but can develop into a chronic condition.

Chronic laryngitis can last for weeks or months. The symptoms of chronic laryngitis can include loss of voice, hoarseness, and a raspy voice. If unsure whether you have laryngitis, you can take a throat culture to find out the cause.