How AI Is Changing the Future of Communication for People with Neurodegenerative Diseases

This month on the blog, we are highlighting some of the most exciting AI-driven communication developments that are advancing augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for our community.

AI is not just the buzzword du jour; AI really is everywhere today, infused in all aspects of our lives — sometimes, in ways we don’t even realize. Although AI is undoubtedly a disruptive force, it is also resulting in life-changing breakthroughs and positive impacts — including transforming the way people with neurodegenerative diseases live in and communicate with the world.

Real-Time Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs)

Thought-to-Speech: AI-driven communication breakthroughs, such as those led by researchers at UC Davis Health, have successfully used implanted electrodes and machine learning to translate brain activity directly into text and synthetic speech for people with speech loss. Casey Harrell, a 47-year-old man living with ALS, participated in UC Davis Health’s BrainGate2 clinical trial. Casey has weakness in his arms and legs (tetraparesis), and his speech is very hard to understand (dysarthria). But, using BrainGate2 technology, he is now able to communicate — in his own natural voice, based on recordings captured before his diagnosis and speech loss — with his family, with incredible accuracy and authentic delivery.

Dramatically Improved Speed and Fluency: Unlike older text-messaging styles of AAC, newer neural decoding uses advanced computer algorithms to translate brain signals into text, speech, or digital device commands and is now allowing for instantaneous voice synthesis. This enables users to speak naturally, interrupt, and actively participate in real-time discussions.

Voice Banking and AI Cloning

Creating “Digital Twins”: Before losing their natural voice to conditions like ALS, people can now use voice banking and AI voice cloning. Patients can “bank” their voice, and AI can then use customized synthesis to create a “digital twin” that sounds exactly like them, ensuring that when they use text-to-speech devices later on, the voice still sounds like their own. This example of AI-driven communication helps preserve a basic function that ALS patients can lose as the disease progresses. These new tools work with a range of AAC devices, and a reminder that we also list these resources on our website and within the SimpliHere app!

Predictive Context and Smart AAC Devices

Dynamic Generation: Modern Speech-Generating Devices (SGDs) use natural language processing to anticipate what a user wants to say next, shortening the time required to type or select words.

Greater Accessibility: Software like Communicator 5, by Tobii Dynavox, pairs AI-driven communication software with eye-tracking and switch-scanning to make software accessible even with severe physical limitations. Pat Quinn, co-founder of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, found that everyday communication had become more challenging as his ALS disease has progressed, but new eye-tracking technology and his device — the Tobii Dynavox I-15+ — has helped him retain his “voice” and the ability to communicate with the world around him.

Emotion and Intonation: For years, people living with ALS, their families, and their caregivers have reported that AAC does not accurately communicate emotion and social competence. To address this gap, today, researchers are actively fostering better communication outcomes by developing emotion-recognition and contextual analysis algorithms, so that users can convey nuanced feelings and even humor through their digital voices.

Stay tuned in for future updates on AI-driven communication advancements and AAC recommendations to help you, your loved one living with speech loss, and your caregiving team live life to the fullest together and communicate without limitations.

About SimpliHere

The mission of SimpliHere is to ensure efficient care and peace of mind for caregivers and their patients with neurological conditions that impact communication and mobility. Joanna Rosenberg founded SimpliHere to address communication gaps between caregivers and patients. Her personal experience when her mother lived with ALS exposed the challenges of communicating and understanding basic needs, as well as managing daily tasks. Download SimpliHere today or subscribe to the Compass blog to help you navigate caregiving and learn from other community members who have been in your shoes.