DEAR DR. GOTT: About 30 years ago, my brother-in-law, while working in extreme heat and consuming alcohol, suffered a heat stroke. He was left with a strong speech impairment where he cannot pronounce consonants and his voice is quite rough. He took speech therapy for a while after the stroke, but it did not help. Otherwise his health is good. He takes no medications and is 74 years old. He has a slight balance problem but can work in the yard, mow with a riding mower, etc. He hasn’t seen a doctor in years. He is quite alert. His wife died two years ago and he is lonely, but he will not go out in public because of years of people making fun of his speech. It has greatly discouraged him. I believe people are more tolerant and understanding today but he doesn’t. He generally doesn’t say anything unless asked a question and he answers in as few words as possible. His grown children are sympathetic but not assertive toward the situation.
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