Researcher Uses Hollywood Technology to Track ALS Speech Changes

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that attacks motor neurons, leading to wastage of the muscles. This affects every area of the body and as the disease progresses, patients begin to experience speech impairments and will eventually lose the ability to speak.

MORE: Explaining the progression of ALS.

In this video from MGH Institute of Health Professionals, Professor Jordan R. Green PhD, talks about some of his research into speech impairments in ALS patients.

Professor Green explains that his team are using sensor technology used in Hollywood for animation movies to help track facial muscles and detect the onset of ALS-related speech impairments much quicker. The earlier that speech impairment is detected the more chance physicians have of developing therapies which could slow down or delay the progression.

MORE: New smartphone app will allow ALS patients to communicate faster.

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