Ailing 'Dilbert' cartoonist talks again

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SUMMARY

Scott Adams, the 49-year-old creator of 'Dilbert', has largely recovered from Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD), a neurological condition affecting speech. Approximately 30,000 Americans suffer from SD, which disrupts normal voice production, making intimate conversations challenging. Interestingly, individuals with SD can speak normally under certain conditions, such as after sneezing or laughing. The discussion also touches on the emotional toll of caring for individuals with dementia, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships during health crises.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Spasmodic Dysphonia and its effects on speech.
  • Knowledge of neurological conditions related to speech disorders.
  • Familiarity with dementia and its impact on communication.
  • Awareness of the emotional and social implications of caregiving.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the latest treatments for Spasmodic Dysphonia.
  • Explore support resources for caregivers of dementia patients.
  • Learn about the neurological mechanisms behind speech disorders.
  • Investigate the psychological effects of caregiving on family members.
USEFUL FOR

Healthcare professionals, speech therapists, caregivers, and individuals interested in understanding speech disorders and the challenges of dementia care.

Evo
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Wow, I did not know he had this.

"Adams, 49, appears to be a rare example of someone who has largely — but not totally — recovered from Spasmodic Dysphonia, a mysterious disease in which parts of the brain controlling speech shut down or go haywire. As many as 30,000 Americans are afflicted, typically in their 40s and 50s, experts say.

One of the most peculiar aspects of SD is that victims are typically unable to have intimate conversations in their normal voice. Yet they can speak under different circumstances, such as immediately after sneezing or laughing, or in an exaggerated falsetto or baritone, or while reciting poetry, according to SD support groups."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061028/ap_on_en_ot/dilbert_cartoonist
 
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Bummer. :frown:

I used to drive an elderly neighbor to church on Sunday. It gave his wife a chance to relax for a few hours. I don't know if he had Alzheimer's disease, but he gradually developed a type of dementia. He got to the point where most of his comments were about WWII and the 1930's. He could recognize me, so I had to keep a watch on him, otherwise he got lost.

When he would talk, his voice would rise, almost like singing, and sometimes like crying. He deteriorated rapidly the last few months, and what I didn't realize was that he was becoming increasingly belligerent to his wife. He ended up being shuffled between hospital and a nursing home during the last two months.

This is one of the reasons to find a good spouse, someone who is willing to care for you when you can't care for yourself.