Lou Gehrig’s syndrome: Here are the first symptoms of this disease

indicator of ALS. Dehydration, exercise, medications, electrolyte disturbances, and nerve problems are much more common explanations.

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## 6. Slurred or Unclear Speech

Some forms of ALS first affect the muscles involved in speech.

A person may notice:

* Slurred words
* A softer voice
*

Hoarseness
* Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds
* Speech becoming slower or less clear

Mayo Clinic identifies slurred speech as a possible early symptom, especially when ALS begins in muscles controlling the mouth and throat. ([Mayo Clinic][1])

Sudden speech difficulty, however, can also indicate a stroke and should be treated as an emergency.

## 7. Difficulty Swallowing

ALS can