Speech Patterns May Indicate Cognitive Decline, Canadian Study Finds

A recent study from a collaborative team at Baycrest Hospital, the University of Toronto, and York University suggests that natural speech patterns can serve as predictors of cognitive decline, potentially identifying early signs of dementia. Published on March 27, 2024, the research highlights how certain speech characteristics in aging adults, such as prolonged pauses, frequent use of filler words, and challenges with word retrieval, may indicate deteriorating brain health.

The study, led by Jed Meltzer, senior author and researcher at Baycrest, was motivated by the premise that changes in speech could reflect a decline in cognitive function. Meltzer explained in an interview with CTV News that the team conducted two cognitive assessment experiments, one in 2019 and another in 2023, to analyze the executive function and speech characteristics of participants. The first study involved 67 healthy adults aged 65 to 75, while the second featured 174 healthy adults ranging from 18 to 90 years old.

Participants underwent standard tests of mental ability, including tasks focused on colour-word interference. They also described complex photos depicting ordinary life scenarios in their own words. The speech samples were analyzed using a sophisticated algorithm developed by Winterlight Labs, a Toronto-based technology company. This algorithm is designed to accurately detect signs of cognitive impairment by examining factors such as sentence complexity, repetition of words, and the use of rare vocabulary.

Baycrest’s approach differs significantly from conventional cognitive assessments. The study claims to be among the first to establish a direct correlation between natural speech patterns and cognitive function. Findings indicated that participants faced the most difficulty with timing-related aspects of speech, including excessive pauses and reliance on filler words such as “um” and “ah.” Meltzer noted that these results imply a relationship between the speed of speech and cognitive processing, suggesting that “talking slower is related to thinking slower,” which can signal cognitive deterioration.

While Meltzer emphasizes that their research does not provide a definitive diagnosis for cognitive decline, he believes it offers a valuable early detection method. This could assist healthcare providers in monitoring gradual declines in brain health over time. “If you test someone once, they may have dementia, or they may not. But you can’t definitively diagnose someone from one examination,” he explained. “However, if you test somebody twice, with a year in between, significant cognitive changes are likely to be detectable.”

This study raises hope for the Baycrest team as they aim to explore the effectiveness of dementia treatments through their innovative method. Meltzer also points out that modifiable risk factors play a crucial role in delaying cognitive disorders like dementia. He recommends decreasing isolation and loneliness and increasing physical activity as effective measures. “The single best thing you can do is go on a walk with your friend,” he advised.

Other factors that contribute to cognitive resilience include bilingualism and higher educational attainment. While these may not entirely prevent brain damage, they can bolster the brain’s ability to withstand cognitive decline. Conversely, age and genetic predisposition remain non-modifiable risk factors that are applicable to various health concerns.

In summary, this groundbreaking research underscores the potential of speech analysis as a tool for early detection of cognitive decline, offering new avenues for intervention and support for aging populations. As the study gains attention, it highlights the importance of understanding the relationship between speech and cognitive health, paving the way for future explorations in this vital area of research.