Speech Difficulty

My uncle has developed a condition over the past two years, he is unable to speak as fluently as he used to. When having a conversation,he always pauses to think about what he wants to say. His sentences are clear, bbut there is a pause between each word. He reports that when he prays,he can do so without hesitation or pausing, but when he tried to have a conversation it is another story. He has seen two neurologists, and two cardiologists. Stroke, TIA and all neurological disorders have been ruled out. He has only been diagnosed with low blood sugar, and his team of doctors have decided not to put him on any medications. This problem has taken over his life-he no longer works, and does not socialise as he use to. Any specific thoughts on what is happening to him, or any special tests that should be performed? We appreciate your help.

[Quixotic1]

I am not a neurologist, but here are some ideas.

Clearly you uncle has suffered some some of insult to the area of the brain which deals with spontaneous speech.  He has a form of aphasia.  Now wonder he has withdrawn socially.  It is a very distressing problem.  Things like prayers and songs that one knows wells are stored in a different part of the brain.  It's common that people whose strokes have knocked out their ability to talk can still often join in singing a well-known song.  Does he understand what others say to him?

If the condition has developed gradually and he seems to be progressively loosing more of his ability to speak (how about his ability to write?  to speak on paper)  -- Have his doctor's considered the disorder called "Primary  Progressive Aphasia?

You can do an internet search on this term and see if it fits.  If not  come back and we'll ask more questions.

Quix  

[AMO]

i am sorroy to hear you uncles troubles.
I know how he  may be feeling. since i have  problems  in both areas of  language(using the wrond word or phrase) and speech(slured and at times uncomprehensable) . I am happy to have caller i.d. on our phones so i may decided which ones to answer. I am sure more than once the person in the other end thought i was either drunk or mental retarded.
If i consously goo slow  my words come out better in the language context. I can still find it extremely fascinating that even though i use the wrong word, it usually is at least in the samme catagory in some means.
I think i am saying what i want to say,but it comes out worng. usually afetr i say it , i do reognisge it was wrong. When the word does not come at all, i seem to automatically try to discirbe it( either in word discrption or im panamime) instead of finding the word.
I do realize it haas no baring of the person inside who i am, or my real intellect.
I hope for you uncle to find the reason for his changes, and it may be treatable. if not, i hope he can find some confidence in himself again.
let him know he is nsot alone.
take care , Amo

[Kalli Billi]

I appreciate your kind words-and am sorry that you are experiencing related problems have you ever thought of having a consult by a chiropractic neurologist. if you are interested i may be able to helop u find one in or near your area. chiropractors are nervous system specialists, and have a variety of methods in which to accurately diagnose ans possibly treat-different than the medicall community but scientifically based, and supported by research-i am trying to have my uncle seen by one in toronto ( we live in canada).There are more chiropractic neurologists in  the states.Not all chiropractors have been trained the same, but the diplomate in neurolgy goes beyond what chiropractic  colleges teach. if you would like info please let me know-i would love to help.