Speech & Language Therapy

Other common issues for people with MS are those that involve thinking, remembering and reasoning. Around 45-65% report these cognitive changes. This can involve problems with concentration, memory, processing information or complex thinking. For instance people may struggle with remembering appointments or have word finding difficulties. We can help by identifying difficulties and working either one to one or in the Memory Matters Group.

Problems with speech are a common symptom of multiple sclerosis (MS). Difficulties can result when lesions occur in the area of the brain that facilitates speech.

It can affect the physical movements needed to produce speech and alter how your voice sounds. It may also impact your understanding of language and the thought processes involved in deciding what to say.

Over 44% of people living with MS report experiencing problems with their speech or voice. These difficulties can fluctuate during the day, sometimes only lasting a few minutes, and they may appear as part of a relapse.

The most common form of speech problems experienced by people with MS is slurring or slowing of speech. This is called dysarthria. Dysarthria affects around 50% of people with MS, although it is uncommon at the point of diagnosis.

People may also have a weak or rough voice which is called dysphonia.

Another difficulty is dysphasia (also called aphasia), a language problem where it becomes hard to find the right words or put sentences together. In MS, this often means having trouble recalling words when needed, rather than a permanent loss of language skills. It can lead to difficulties such as finding it hard to understand what others are saying (receptive dysphasia) or having trouble expressing yourself (expressive dysphasia).

If you have a progressive rather than relapsing remitting MS and are experiencing other physical and cognitive changes you may have more significant speech difficulties. However, some people find very little change in their speech.

At Revive we look at the mechanics of your speech but also understand the importance of the effect of the symptoms. We want to help you focus on what matters to you, whether making a speech at a wedding or strengthening your voice to sing!

Speak & Sing

Our regular Speak & Sing group is a relaxed and fun way to strengthen your voice and make friends. Learning songs may also help improve memory and cognition.

Each session includes:

• Introductions
• Vocal and breathing exercises
• Simple songs
• More popular songs, chosen by the group
• Vocal cool-down exercises

You can see a list of songs from previous sessions on our Speak & Sing YouTube playlist

About a third of people with MS experience swallowing difficulties or dysphagia at some point in their lives. The muscles used for speech and swallowing are closely connected, meaning difficulties in one area often coincide with difficulties in the other. This happens because the myelin in the part of the brain that controls swallowing, or in the nerves linked to it, has been damaged.

More significant symptoms are more likely if you have more advanced MS. However, mild or occasional difficulties can occur early on in MS and during relapses.

At Revive, an SLT will assess how your swallowing is affected. We can then give advice and support on how to make eating and drinking easier and more comfortable.