Motor Speech Disorders and Other Speech Sound Disorders in Adults

5025V - Progressive Ataxic Dysarthria: Current Assessment and Treatment Methods and Discussion of Novel, Research-based Directions

ON-DEMAND

Format: Technical Clinical (Virtual)

Audience: Researchers, Related Professionals

Keywords: cerebellar, ataxia, dysarthria, neurodegenerative, non-invasive brain stimulation

Presenting Author(s)

Sarah Cust

Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

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Author Only (Not Presenting)(s)

Nigel Harrison

Clinical & Research Fellow, Movement Disorders The Parkinson's & Movement Disorders Center Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Donna Tippett

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Ji Hyun Kim

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Rajani Sebastian

Johns Hopkins University

Neurodegenerative cerebellar ataxias represent a heterogeneous group of disabling, progressive disorders with impairments in motor and cognitive domains. Rehabilitation services are the mainstay treatment to manage dysarthria and cognitive/language impairments, but research has shown that referrals to address these deficits are inconsistent. Also, ataxia-specific expertise in allied healthcare is limited, and management guidelines are lacking. There is an urgent need to find innovative therapeutic approaches to reduce clinical symptoms and improve outcomes in this population. In this presentation, the underlying neuropathology of ataxia, dysarthria-specific assessment and treatment for degenerative ataxias, and the importance of cognitive assessment and treatment are addressed. Recent advances in intervention including non-invasive brain stimulation are highlighted.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the role of the cerebellar control system in ataxic dysarthria
Discuss the importance of dysarthria-specific assessment and treatment for neurodegenerative ataxia
List 3 studies that have shown promising results in ataxic dysarthria with speech therapy