College

What degenerative disease is associated with flaccid dysarthria?

a) Parkinson's disease
b) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
c) Multiple sclerosis (MS)
d) Huntington's disease

Answer :

Final answer:

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disease linked with flaccid dysarthria, characterized by muscular weakness and motor neuron degeneration that affects speech. The correct answer is b) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Explanation:

The degenerative disease associated with flaccid dysarthria is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Dysarthria, particularly of the flaccid type, arises as a consequence of nerve damage that affects the muscles responsible for speech. ALS involves progressive muscular weakness, which includes impairments in speech due to the degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem, leading to muscle atrophy and paralysis.

Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is characterized by the gradual loss of motor neurons that ultimately impedes voluntary muscle movement. It does so without affecting cognitive function, meaning that patients remain acutely aware of their deteriorating physical state. This can lead to the need for mechanical assistance with breathing and innovative technologies to help with communication as the disease advances.