Is degenerative disease a frequent cause of ataxic dysarthria?

Ataxic dysarthria is a type of speech disorder that occurs due to damage or dysfunction in the cerebellum or the pathways connecting the cerebellum to other parts of the brain. Degenerative diseases, particularly those that affect the nervous system, are indeed a frequent cause of ataxic dysarthria. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinocerebellar ataxias, and other neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease can lead to the impaired coordination of speech muscles, which results in the characteristic features of ataxic dysarthria.

This type of dysarthria is characterized by poor coordination and control of speech production, resulting in slurred or slow speech, difficulty with articulation, and a variable rhythm and prosody. The impact of degenerative conditions can progressively worsen over time, further contributing to the development of ataxic dysarthria. Therefore, considering the relationship between degenerative neurological diseases and their role in causing ataxic dysarthria, it is accurate to assert that degenerative disease is a frequent contributor to this condition.