To Treat or Not to Treat: A Scoping Review of Speech Treatment for Dysarthria in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

BACKGROUND

Speech loss is recognised as one of the most devastating outcomes for individuals with ALS, yet active speech intervention is rarely targeted in this population. Clinicians face significant challenges in managing dysarthria associated with ALS due to the rapidly progressive nature of the disease, historical concerns around intensive exercise accelerating decline, and an absence of direction on restorative and compensatory intervention strategies in current clinical care guidelines. This review evaluates the scope and quality of evidence for speech treatments in ALS to identify knowledge gaps and establish research priorities to guide clinical care.

METHODS

Studies were retrieved from six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO).

RESULTS

Four studies met inclusion criteria. Treatment approaches included: music-based speech therapy; multisubsystem speech rehabilitation program, tongue strengthening and articulation training; and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-LOUD® combined with additional voice and articulation therapy. Sample sizes were small, with all studies demonstrating notable methodological weaknesses. The limited evidence base, marked by conflicting results and methodological flaws, prevents any reliable conclusions about treatment effectiveness.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the prevalence and impact of dysarthria in this population, evidence for speech treatment remains sparse, of generally low quality, and provides limited guidance for clinical practice. The changing perspective on exercise in ALS warrants rigorous investigation of tailored dysarthria interventions for this population that are minimally fatiguing and enhance speech by making use of residual physiologic support.