Speech

blacksparky · June 20

My DW is in year 3 of EOAD. She’s always been a talker, talking to whomever would listen. The last few months she still talks but with her limited vocabulary she makes no sense. Her words are very clear but all mixed up. I’ve just noticed this past week that now when she talks it starts with a few clear words but then turns into just a slur of her words that aren’t understandable. I’m thinking that this may be her starting to be unable to talk at all but figured I’d ask if anybody here has had a similar experience.

blacksparky · June 20

fesk · June 20

It may or may not be related to the recent addition and increase in Seroquel. It may be related to a UTI or other medical condition. Did it start prior to the addition of Seroquel or worsen when Seroquel was increased. I'd recommend, if you aren't already, tracking all changes when different medications are added/increased and ruling out a UTI or other medical cause when there are changes. Once that is done, you can determine if it's progression.

KathyF1 · June 20

Yes, my husband has had jumbled speech for a couple of years. At this point he rarely makes any sense, his words are “made up” words. He’s stage 6. I’ve had some doctors say he has Frontotemporal Dementia. But he definitely also has Alzheimer’s so it could be “aphasia” which is typical in late stage Alz. But he has not shown any sign yet of not being able to talk. It just does t make any sense.

jca555 · 1:37AM

My DH has PPA and FTD moving into AD. He started with bad speech and now his comprehension is really bad. He doesn’t understand a lot of what we say to him.

sandwichone123 · 2:47AM

My dh's first symptom was losing nouns. At first he could substitute another word, but that skill faded as well. He still (stage 6) loves to talk, but the words don't add up to any meaning. Occasionally a word or two will seem to relate to something, but mostly it's babble. I don't know how much he understands, either.

lissab · 3:53AM

Preface to say I have been a Speech Pathologist for 30 years with Neuro and dementia but each situation is unique. First, rule out medication/medical reasons as mentioned. Also, time, emotions, general blood sugar drops or dehydration could be factors. Once that is sorted, it may be new phase of expressive communication decline. You might try repeating back the words you did understand and allowing her an attempt to add a bit more. Do maintain eye contact and if possible don’t pretend to understand if you don’t. That may lead to hurt feelings. Asking yes or no questions in a relaxed short sentence to clarify is often a good option.
Her thinking might be the same so can she communicate needs in a way other than with verbal skills. Consider augmenting with photos, pictures, body outlines/pain scales. All behaviors are an attempt at communication at their core so when words
don’t work then behaviors could get challenging. Staying one step ahead of it by
offering alternatives may help. I’ll be thinking more on this. Good luck. LB

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