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Phonological networks remain intact in multiple sclerosis.
Allison Link1, Amy L Lebkuecher2, Abigail L Cosgrove1
1Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University.
Neuropsychology
|September 24, 2025
Summary
Speech sound production in multiple sclerosis (MS) appears stable. While individuals with MS may produce fewer words, their phonological networks and word characteristics are similar to healthy adults, suggesting word retrieval issues stem from semantic processing.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech Science
- Cognitive Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease causing cognitive impairment and motor decline.
- Individuals with MS often experience word retrieval difficulties, potentially linked to semantic language aspects.
- Phonological aspects of speech in MS have been less explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phonological speech characteristics in individuals with MS.
- To compare speech network science metrics between MS patients and neurotypical adults.
- To determine if phonological processing differs in MS.
Main Methods:
- Examined speech data from 89 individuals with MS and 88 controls using a phonemic verbal fluency task.
- Applied network science to construct phonological networks from speech responses.
- Analyzed local network characteristics (degree, clustering coefficient) and forward flow.
Main Results:
- Individuals with MS produced fewer responses but showed similar phonological network characteristics to controls.
- Lexical features like word length and frequency did not differ significantly between groups.
- Phonological search patterns (forward flow analysis) were comparable across both groups.
Conclusions:
- Phonological aspects of speech are largely preserved in individuals with MS.
- Word retrieval challenges in MS may be more associated with semantic processing deficits.
- Other cognitive factors like processing speed and executive function likely contribute to MS-related language difficulties.
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