Symptom 5: Speech Difficulties
In the advancement of MLD, the ability to communicate effectively may also be compromised. Individuals affected by MLD often experience speech difficulties. These can take various forms, such as slurred speech, difficulty articulating certain sounds, or even struggling to put thoughts into words.
Again, this is not an occasional stutter or the normal speech changes that can occur when someone is tired or stressed. This is a consistent pattern of speech difficulty that doesn’t improve with time or rest. It’s a clear indication that the nervous system is struggling with something more serious.
These speech difficulties are a direct result of MLD’s impact on the brain’s nerve cells. The accumulation of sulfatides interferes with the regions of the brain responsible for coordinating speech, leading to these problems. (5)
