The relationship between selected sociodemographic factors and speech organ dysfunction in sporadic ALS patients

Abstract Background: Speech disorders are observed in 30% of newly diagnosed sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. Characterized by a dynamic course, dysfunction of articulation has not so far been well understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors (sex, age, duration of the disease) and concomitant diseases (degenerative spine disease, depression, hypertension, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and allergy) on the functioning of speech organs in ALS patients.Methods: The study group consisted of 65 patients with sporadic ALS. Patients were examined for articulatory functions by means of the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (FDA). Results: 68% of the study sample had spinal disorders. Logistic regression analysis showed that a decline in the functioning of lips, soft palate, length of phonation and voice loudness was more common among men. Patients diagnosed with degenerative spine disease more often suffered from respiratory disorders, while younger patients (< 60 years of age) significantly more often had the impairment of the sentence and spontaneous speech functions.Conclusions: The male sex and young age of ALS patients substantially increase the risk of progression of the impairment of speech organs (such as lips, soft palate) and functions (length of phonation, voice loudness, sentence, spontaneous speech). Degenerative spondylogenic changes in the spinal column deteriorated respiratory problems in patients with ALS.