Speech evaluation in patients with neurodegenerative diseases

Neurodegenerative diseases decrease the functionality of various body systems according to the particular characteristics of each pathology. In conditions such as Parkinson’s, Spinocerebellar Ataxia, and Multiple Sclerosis, affected individuals have speech disorders. Still little studied and disseminated, the features of speech disorders in these pathologies received more attention, as they compromise the communication and quality of life of these patients. Thus, this work aims to characterize the speech pattern in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. A longitudinal study, carried out with patients over 18 years old, affected by Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Spinocerebellar Ataxias, all originating from the Neurology outpatient clinic of the Neurology Department of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA). Other associated neurological diseases and diagnoses of systemic diseases that cause dysarthria will be excluded. Tests applied to evaluation protocols, and therapy will be collected descriptively, as indicated for each case.