I think it is. My mother lost much of her voice near the end of her late stage--kind of quiet and horse voice. otherwise, she was fine--for a dementia patient.
It depends on the type of dementia. He might also have a medical condition that progresses this way. Ask for a medical evaluation. Also ask for a speech therapy evaluation since his ability to swallow might be impacted.
My husband had dementia and his voice changed throughout his illness. During the last month of his life, his voice got lower and lower until he could only whisper. He couldn't speak at all the last three days before he passed. Using your voice requires the use of many muscles. As dementia advances, the muscles get weaker and weaker.
I’m familiar with the loss of speech with dementia, but not loss of voice. Perhaps there is a sore throat or other ailment that he isn’t able to articulate. Does he seem to respond negatively to loud noises or voices?
As with any new symptom, I would contact his doctor. Let them know when it started, and if it seems to be getting worse. Report if you are seeing any other symptoms or signs of pain (grimacing, frowning, not eating, changes in swallowing, restlessness, change in mood or sleep).
Additional information and helpful resources for caregivers of loved ones with dementia can also be found here: https://dementia.stjohnsliving.org/
My Father had swallowing problems, coughing while eating and drinking thin liquids. The Speech Language Pathologist recommended we try the gel SimplyThick, the nectar consistency. It goes in all drinks hot and cold, no grit (like can occur with thickening powders) and no taste change. Easy and quick and has worked like a charm. The change has been amazing.
SimplyThick is the best thickener IMO - we tried a lot. But take note that thickened liquids can be more problematic than thin ones if the person aspirates. IMO (I have a lot! LOL), smaller sips and bites can be a better way to go. There are cups designed to limit the size of the sip, look up "drinking cup for dysphagia."
A good speech therapist will not prescribe a remedy or solution without serious observation and testing. Unfortunately for vulnerable elders providers often just give the easiest answer.
My husband woke up one morning & was suddenly hoarse, barely speaking above a whisper, but with no pain. After about three days we saw his primary care doctor who had no definitive answer, but gave us a referral to an ENT. He had a paralyzed vocal cord. The Dr. injected gel into the vocal cord (under anesthesia) and his voice was greatly improved. The benefit was only supposed to last about a year. Either the vocal cord would begin working on its own, he could have another injection or they could put something similar to an electrode on the cord for a more permanent fix. It’s been well over two years & his voice is still good, but the cord is still paralyzed. The main take away was that the nerve to the vocal cord was the problem & that nerve also controls the flap on the esophagus which controls swallowing. If he begins having more trouble swallowing, especially thin liquids or small bits of food, it can get into his lungs & become a BIG problem (aspirating & pneumonia). Important to get it checked out. The doctor asked me if my husband choked much. I thought he meant sone dramatic, obvious choking. But when I started paying closer attention, I realized he was doing this quiet little grunt or cough when he ate. Yes! He WAS choking & had swallowing problems. I just didn’t realize it. A swallow study confirmed it. So be mindful of that as well.
My stepmother has FTD, I was told by the doctor that due to this type of dementia she could lose her ability to speak she has already lost her ability to write, she can't remember how to do it.
I would talk to his doctor, I am not sure about the whispering thing.
My husband lost all verbal communication when he entered advanced stage. Without saved phone voice messages from him to me, I would have forgotten what he sounded like.
This is a new symptom that you need to report to Hubby's doctor to ascertain that there is not some reason for. Discuss with the doctor at your next visit if this has been gradual, or make an appointment today if this has been a sudden new symptom.
13 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
ADVERTISEMENT
As with any new symptom, I would contact his doctor. Let them know when it started, and if it seems to be getting worse. Report if you are seeing any other symptoms or signs of pain (grimacing, frowning, not eating, changes in swallowing, restlessness, change in mood or sleep).
Additional information and helpful resources for caregivers of loved ones with dementia can also be found here: https://dementia.stjohnsliving.org/
A good speech therapist will not prescribe a remedy or solution without serious observation and testing. Unfortunately for vulnerable elders providers often just give the easiest answer.
I would talk to his doctor, I am not sure about the whispering thing.
voice part of dementia but check with doctor …
Please check with your husband’s doctor.