Will The Problems To Move The Hands, Swallowing And Speaking Be Related To Paralysis?

Dear Sir, My father is suffering from problems in moving his hands properly. He has trouble in swallowing liquid items also. He was able to speak some time back but now he is unable to speak also. We have consulted doctors and they say it has to do with weak nerves near brain and spinal cord. Even, after a year of treatment there seems to be no improvement in this condition. Please tell me if this is some kind of paralysis.