What is it about?
This study presents the ALS Bulbar Dysfunction Index–Remote (ALSBDI-R), a new clinician-administered tool designed to remotely assess speech and swallowing impairments (bulbar dysfunction) in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Using data from 92 patients, we demonstrate the tool’s strong validity by comparing it with established clinical assessments.
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Why is it important?
Up to 95% of people with ALS develop bulbar symptoms that significantly affect their speech, swallowing, and quality of life. Yet, specialized tools to monitor these symptoms—especially remotely—have been lacking. The ALSBDI-R fills this gap, allowing clinicians to reliably assess and monitor bulbar function via telehealth, even when patients cannot attend in-person visits.
Perspectives
The ALSBDI-R may become a core tool in both clinical care and ALS research. It enables early detection of bulbar symptoms, helps track disease progression, and supports decisions about speech/swallowing interventions or assistive devices. Its remote format also expands access to care for people with limited mobility or geographic barriers.
Timothy Pommée
University of Toronto
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Construct Validity of the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Bulbar Dysfunction Index–Remote, American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, June 2025, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA),
DOI: 10.1044/2025_ajslp-24-00489.
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