Is McCain's speech defect because of his age, or another condition?

[Redstone]

I've noticed that he slurs his S-es, pronouncing them as "sh." (Kinda like drunks do, but I'm absolutely NOT accusing him of being a heavy drinker.)

Did he do that when he was younger, or is this a recent development?

I'll bet that someone here can provide the answer.

Redstone

[az chela]

1. mental retardation mixed with hateful ness

[Chloroplast]

2. He takes a bevy of pharmaceuticals so maybe that's it.

[BrklynLiberal]

3. Organic Brain Syndrome

Organic brain syndrome is a general term referring to many acute and chronic physical disorders that cause impaired mental function. It does not usually include psychiatric disorders. Though OBS is a common diagnosis in the elderly, it is related to disease processes and is not an inevitable part of aging.

[Ron Green]

4. Males afraid of their feminine side often do this.

In a hyper-macho effort to avoid a lisp, they keep the tongue back away from the teeth in the "s" sound. George W. "the fake Texan-fake cowboy" Bush does this most of the time.

[uppityperson]

5. Could be physiological. Nerves affecting facial control may be impacted by tumor/removal

Does he wear dentures? Could be poorly fitting teeth if so. I don't know how long he's done this since I rarely hear him.