Is Slowed Speech a Sign of Something More?

Have you noticed that a loved one is speaking more slowly than usual? Maybe they’re pausing more often or struggling to say words that used to come easily. You might find yourself wondering, “Is this just aging—or is it something more serious?”

Slowed speech in adults can be easy to dismiss at first, but it may be an early warning sign of an underlying condition—especially if it starts suddenly or progressively worsens.

As a speech therapist specializing in treatment of adults, I’m often asked about the causes of slowed speech and when to be concerned.

What Is Slowed Speech—and Why Does It Happen?

Slowed speech refers to a noticeable reduction in the speed or fluency of talking. This can show up as:

• Longer pauses between words or syllables

• A slower rhythm or pace

• Difficulty coordinating speech movements

While speech changes in older adults are common due to natural aging (e.g., slower processing speed or mild muscle weakening), there’s a difference between normal aging and more significant issues.

Sometimes, slowed speech is temporary—caused by fatigue, stress, or side effects from medication. But when the change persists or worsens over time, it could point to neurological causes of slowed speech, such as Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or a motor speech disorder.

When Is Slowed Speech a Red Flag?

It’s important to pay attention to how and when speech changes occur. Here are a few signs that slowed speech may be a sign of something more:

• Sudden onset after a medical event like a stroke

• Gradual worsening without an obvious cause

• Accompanying symptoms like facial drooping, tremors, or voice changes

• Difficulty coordinating the mouth, tongue, or lips when speaking

Several conditions can lead to slowed speech in adults, including:

🧠 Parkinson’s Disease

Slowed, soft, or mumbled speech is often one of the early signs of Parkinson’s speech changes. The muscles involved in speech may become rigid or weak, affecting articulation.

🩺 Stroke

After a stroke, a person may experience dysarthria (weakened speech muscles) or apraxia (difficulty planning speech movements), both of which can lead to slowed and effortful speech.

🧬 ALS and Other Neurological Conditions

Motor neuron diseases can impact the muscles required for speech, leading to reduced speed and clarity over time.

If you’re wondering why speech is slowing down, especially in an aging adult, it’s always a good idea to consult a medical professional.

How Speech Therapists Assess Slowed Speech

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) plays a key role in identifying the root cause of speech changes. One of the tools we use is a motor speech assessment, which often includes diadochokinesis (DDK) tasks.

You might hear me ask your loved one to say “puh-puh-puh” or “puh-tuh-kuh” quickly and repeatedly. These are known as:

• AMRs (Alternating Motion Rates): Repeating the same syllable (e.g., “puh”)

• SMRs (Sequential Motion Rates): Switching between syllables (e.g., “puh-tuh-kuh”)

These DDK tasks help assess how well the brain and muscles coordinate during speech. Difficulty with speed, rhythm, or consistency can indicate motor speech disorders like apraxia or dysarthria.

In short, the “puh-tuh-kuh test” might seem simple, but it provides valuable insight into a person’s neurological function and ability to plan and execute speech movements.

Can Speech Therapy Help?

Absolutely. Once I complete an evaluation, I tailor a treatment plan based on the specific needs of the individual. Goals might include:

• Increasing speech clarity and intelligibility

• Improving rate and rhythm of speech

• Strengthening the muscles involved in speaking

• Teaching compensatory strategies to enhance communication

Whether the cause is related to Parkinson’s, stroke, or age-related decline, speech therapy for adults can help restore confidence and improve quality of life.

What You Can Do If You Notice Slowed Speech

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s slowed speech, here are a few steps you can take:

• Take notes on what you’re observing—frequency, duration, and accompanying symptoms

• Speak with their primary care provider to rule out medication issues or other health concerns

• Request a referral from your primary care physician for a full speech and language evaluation (my fax number is (801) 313-9669)

• Be patient and supportive—slowed speech can be frustrating for both the speaker and the listener.

Final Thoughts: Trust Your Instincts

Speech is more than just communication—it reflects our brain health, motor control, and emotional well-being. If something seems “off” with a loved one’s speech, it’s worth investigating. Slowed speech in adults may be nothing more than fatigue, but it could also be a signal of a deeper neurological issue.

If you are located in Utah County, I can help uncover the cause and recommend a path forward. Early intervention makes a difference, and you don’t have to navigate it alone. Give me a call at (801) 420-4083 or send me an e-mail at jackie@livewellspeechtherapy.com.