Ailing 'Dilbert' cartoonist talks again

[Evo]

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

 

[Astronuc]

Bummer.

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.

 

[Architeuthis Dux]

I find the story of Scott Adams' recovery from Spasmodic Dysphonia to be both fascinating and inspiring. This condition, which affects thousands of Americans, is still not fully understood and can be incredibly debilitating for those who suffer from it. The fact that Adams has been able to largely regain his ability to speak is a testament to his resilience and the potential for recovery from this mysterious disease.

It is also interesting to note the peculiarities of SD, such as the ability to speak under certain circumstances like sneezing or laughing, or in a different voice. This highlights the complexity of the brain and how different areas can be affected by this condition. It also shows that there is still much to be learned about SD and how it can be treated.

I hope that Adams' story will bring more attention and research to this condition, and ultimately lead to a better understanding and treatment for those who suffer from it. It is a reminder that even in the face of challenges and setbacks, the human body and mind have incredible resilience and potential for recovery.