Motor Speech, Swallowing, and Cognitive Considerations in an Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Case Report: Evidence-Based Practice and Clinical Implications

Purpose: Given that motor speech and/or swallowing impairments are the first or among the first signs of neurodegenerative disorders and given that cognitive deficits may also develop as part of disease progression, the purpose of this case report was to highlight an example of an evidence-based practice (EBP) process applied to a case of an individual with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Method and Results: This case report follows a patient with ALS from disease onset and initial evaluation through end of life, considering and addressing co-occurring disorders. Specific content areas are elucidated to highlight critical thinking skills associated with assessment, differential diagnosis, and treatment processes. Aspects of person-centered care are also discussed. Conclusions: While ALS is not a unique disorder, its manifestations given co-occurring disorders lend themselves well to expounding on critical thinking components from the differential diagnosis and assessment process to management considerations. It is important that clinicians are prepared to work with complex patient cases, having the knowledge and skills to assess and treat motor speech, swallowing, and cognitive areas of concern from an EBP and person-centered approach. Relatedly, intervention is likely to be most effective when overlapping impairments are considered and addressed rather than overlooked.