Physicist Hawking , who sufferers the disease , lost ability to speak in isolation . Said it was ' one of the most frightening and isolating ' aspects of illness . Campaigners fear many patients die before getting the treatment they receive . Many wait patiently for communication therapy , relying on family to interpret their needs , but others die first . Vital equipment includes speech charts , speech therapy as well as high - quality speech devices , eye gaze systems and voice - banking . 5,000 people are living with the disease - 30 % die within year of diagnosis .
Physicist Hawking , who sufferers the disease , lost ability to speak in 1985 . Said it was 'one of the most frightening and isolating ' aspects of illness . Campaigners fear many patients die before getting the help they need . Many wait months for communication equipment , relying on family to interpret their needs , but others die first . Vital equipment includes alphabet charts , speech therapy as well as high-tech speech devices , eye gaze systems and voice-banking . 5,000 people are living with the disease - 30 % die within year of diagnosis .