Have you got Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech? Let's connect

Are you living with Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech? Sometimes it's called progressive apraxia of speech or PPAOS. It reflects difficulty with speaking quickly and accurately. It may start with a simple word you can’t pronounce. Your tongue and lips stumble, and gibberish comes out. It can sometimes occur by itself (speech is the only problem) or develop into other neurologic syndromes like corticobasal syndrome or progressive supranuclear palsy.

On Connect we would like to bring together people who have been affected by PPAOS and provide a space to share your experiences and provide tips for managing it. Patients and family members are welcome.

Grab a cup of tea, or beverage of your choice, and let's connect. Why not start by introducing yourself?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

@merrychristmas

At my office visit with PCP she asked me if I would mind being being recorded so AI would do her charting. I asked if AI could understand my AOS because some people can’t. She said yes. (I doubt it. ) God knows what’s on my record LOL

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You ask a good question, @merrychristmas! We did a study on this- it would depend on the system they are using, but I think your concern is a valid one.

https://pubs.asha.org/doi/abs/10.1044/2024_JSLHR-24-00049 (direct message me if you can't access it and would like to read it)

Are you able to see the report to verify if it/she got the information correct?

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At my office visit with PCP she asked me if I would mind being being recorded so AI would do her charting. I asked if AI could understand my AOS because some people can’t. She said yes. (I doubt it. ) God knows what’s on my record LOL

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@maryj

Me too, Frustrated, embarrassed, anxious, depressed, and afraid.

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Dear Maryj, you are not alone!!
I started to have symptoms in 2016, I went to speech therapy and the therapist said my speech wasn't bad. I knew that something was wrong. I taught ESL for 45 years, now English was becoming my second language. My disease was progressing, my speech got worse. My PCP said "some men like a woman who can't speak", I left his practice. I saw all specialists and all of kinds tests. I was finally diagnosed with PPAOS in January 2023 at MA General Hospital in Boston. A PET scan showed irregularity in my frontotemporal lobe, which controls speech.
I lost my speech over last 6 months. I use tablet and speech applications to communicate. My attitude is keep going!! It is what it is!!
I could worse off! ♥ ♥

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@maryj

Adding to this:
Sky high inflammation markers in bloodwork during initial illness

Shortness of breath if I try to talk while walking/moving about

Eating or speaking triggers a cough-comes & goes

During first 18 -20 mos, constant back of neck ache & stiffness, stiffness & full ness & pressure around ears, jaws, neck, temples

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My ALS has made my speech almost impossible. I am weak all over my body and
my throat Has constant phlegm. I will try my coughing machine again to see if it will help. To ease the cough reflex I use Ricola lemonmint sugarless cough drops. Nobody should have to suffer as we are. So sorry.

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@kholden

I was diagnosed with PPAOS in January 2023. I can't find any support specifically for PPAOS
I lost my speech. I feel frustrated and embarrassed

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Me too, Frustrated, embarrassed, anxious, depressed, and afraid.

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@maryj

I am a 69 year old woman from MA. My speech has gradually grown worse over three years to the point that it’s usually impossible to understand and a huge effort to produce. It is a very long story, ranging from “sounds like TMI”to currently a working diagnosis of Apraxia of speech. Previous working diagnosis was oral-lingual dystonia. Over three years, I have done PT, voice therapy, speech therapy, 15 months of Botox, complete neuro work-ups, Cat scans, MRIs, EMG, PET SCAN, Movement disorders blood panel, with no answers. The Botox was with the head of a speech disorders clinic, an ENT surgeon. I’m now seeing a speech pathologist, but I sense she is encouraging me to use the Bestie app and seek further tech assistance. In my testing thus far, there is “no evidence of a neurodegenerative process, “ nor of dementia of any kind. My symptoms seem contained to my speech, as well as mouth, lips, tongue. I have some difficulty with liquids and pills, but so far, am okay eating solids. I have facial droop on the more affected side, and can not quite smile. Providers seem unanimous that I did not have a stroke. Three years ago, I started having moments of being unable to pronounce certain words correctly, such as long words or those with blends. During that time, I was having some very mild symptoms -dark under eye circles and dark, foamy urine. A month or two later, while away with my husband, I developed daily fevers, severe muscle pain in my chest and thighs, and fatigue, plus an evening of double vision that resolved the next day. My husband says I suddenly displayed voice and speech differences and a strange affect one morning. The fevers, fatigue, muscle pain, etc., lasted months, leading to many appointments, tests, scans, etc. , but no answers. Once the “mystery” symptoms gradually subsided, the speech issue continued to worsen. My anxiety is on two levels: the frustration of being unable to talk which affects every aspect of life, and the fear of the unknown. Sorry for the lengthy vent. I haven’t found anyone else with this problem to communicate with.

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Adding to this:
Sky high inflammation markers in bloodwork during initial illness

Shortness of breath if I try to talk while walking/moving about

Eating or speaking triggers a cough-comes & goes

During first 18 -20 mos, constant back of neck ache & stiffness, stiffness & full ness & pressure around ears, jaws, neck, temples

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I have been/am being seen at Mass Eye & Ear, Mass General Hospital, and Brigham Neurology, all in Boston.

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@maryj

I am a 69 year old woman from MA. My speech has gradually grown worse over three years to the point that it’s usually impossible to understand and a huge effort to produce. It is a very long story, ranging from “sounds like TMI”to currently a working diagnosis of Apraxia of speech. Previous working diagnosis was oral-lingual dystonia. Over three years, I have done PT, voice therapy, speech therapy, 15 months of Botox, complete neuro work-ups, Cat scans, MRIs, EMG, PET SCAN, Movement disorders blood panel, with no answers. The Botox was with the head of a speech disorders clinic, an ENT surgeon. I’m now seeing a speech pathologist, but I sense she is encouraging me to use the Bestie app and seek further tech assistance. In my testing thus far, there is “no evidence of a neurodegenerative process, “ nor of dementia of any kind. My symptoms seem contained to my speech, as well as mouth, lips, tongue. I have some difficulty with liquids and pills, but so far, am okay eating solids. I have facial droop on the more affected side, and can not quite smile. Providers seem unanimous that I did not have a stroke. Three years ago, I started having moments of being unable to pronounce certain words correctly, such as long words or those with blends. During that time, I was having some very mild symptoms -dark under eye circles and dark, foamy urine. A month or two later, while away with my husband, I developed daily fevers, severe muscle pain in my chest and thighs, and fatigue, plus an evening of double vision that resolved the next day. My husband says I suddenly displayed voice and speech differences and a strange affect one morning. The fevers, fatigue, muscle pain, etc., lasted months, leading to many appointments, tests, scans, etc. , but no answers. Once the “mystery” symptoms gradually subsided, the speech issue continued to worsen. My anxiety is on two levels: the frustration of being unable to talk which affects every aspect of life, and the fear of the unknown. Sorry for the lengthy vent. I haven’t found anyone else with this problem to communicate with.

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Have gone another clinic ?

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I’m sorry to hear what you’re going through.

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