How Speech Therapy Supports People with MS, MND, and Other Neurological Conditions

If you or someone you love has multiple sclerosis (MS), motor neuron disease (MND), or another brain condition, you may have noticed changes in speech, voice, or swallowing.

Maybe your voice has become quieter or weaker.
Maybe words feel hard to get out, or you’ve started coughing when eating.
Maybe people keep saying, “Sorry, can you say that again?”

These problems are common. But you don’t have to just “live with it.”
Speech therapy can help.

Why Do These Conditions Affect Speech or Swallowing?

Conditions like MS and MND affect how the brain sends signals to the body.
This can make muscles in the face, mouth, and throat weaker or harder to control.

You might find it harder to:

• Speak clearly

• Be heard in noisy places

• Swallow safely

• Stay part of conversations

• Use your phone or read messages

These changes can be upsetting. They may affect your confidence, your social life, and how independent you feel.

But the good news is – there’s help and support available.

What Can a Speech Therapist Do?

A speech and language therapist works with people who have neurological conditions to make life easier and safer.

Here’s how they can help:

Speech & Voice Support

• Make your speech clearer

• Help your voice sound louder or stronger

• Use special exercises (like LSVT LOUD for Parkinson’s or MND)

• Teach breathing and pacing techniques

• Show your family how to support you in conversations

Thinking & Communication

• Support with memory, focus, or word-finding

• Help with reading, writing, and using tech

• Suggest tools (apps, notebooks, voice aids) to stay independent

Swallowing Help

• Check how safe your swallow is

• Give tips to avoid coughing or choking

• Recommend food/drink changes if needed

• Help you enjoy meals again – safely

Every Person is Different – So is Every Therapy Plan

Speech therapy isn’t “one-size-fits-all.”
Your therapist will get to know you and what’s most important in your life.

For some people, it’s being able to tell a joke at dinner.
For others, it’s ordering a coffee, talking to grandchildren, or making a phone call.

Whatever your goal, we work together to help you get there.

When Should I Get Help?

The best time to start therapy is as soon as you notice changes – even small ones.

Why?
Because early help means you can stay ahead of symptoms and keep doing the things you love for longer.

It’s never too early – and never too late – to try speech therapy.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re in Glasgow or nearby, and you’re living with MS, MND, or another neurological condition – we’re here to help.