Anarthria is the loss of the ability to articulate speech.
Anarthria can result from a variety of conditions including: stroke and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Patients with anarthria have intact language skills and cognition.
Some patients with anarthria able produce limited oral movements and undifferentiated vocalizations when attempting to speak.
Paralyzed persons may unable to operate assistive devices because of severe impairment of movement.
Anarthria hinders communication with family, friends, and caregivers, reducing patient reported quality of life.