Canadian Study Links Speech Patterns to Cognitive Decline

A recent study conducted by researchers from Baycrest Hospital, the University of Toronto, and York University indicates that natural speech patterns may serve as an early warning system for cognitive decline, including the onset of dementia. The findings, published on March 15, 2023, highlight how specific speech characteristics in aging adults—such as long pauses, frequent use of filler words, and difficulties in word recall—could point to deteriorating brain health.

The research, led by senior author Jed Meltzer, stemmed from his interest in understanding how changes in speech can signal cognitive issues. Meltzer explained during an interview that the study was designed to assess the relationship between speech patterns and cognitive function through two distinct experiments, one conducted in 2019 and another in 2023. The initial study involved 67 healthy adults aged 65 to 75, while the follow-up included 174 healthy participants ranging from 18 to 90 years old.

Participants underwent standard cognitive tests, including color-word interference tasks, and were asked to describe complex photos in their own words. “We analyzed the speech samples using a powerful computer algorithm to identify aspects of their speech that predicted their mental abilities,” Meltzer noted. This analysis was facilitated by a specialized algorithm developed by Winterlight Labs, a Toronto-based technology company. Their technology focuses on detecting cognitive impairment through speech by examining factors such as sentence complexity, repeated words, and the use of rare vocabulary.

The research represents a significant shift from traditional cognitive testing methods, as it establishes a direct link between natural speech patterns and essential cognitive functions. The study’s results revealed that participants exhibited noticeable difficulties with timing-related aspects of speech, including prolonged pauses and an increased reliance on filler words like “um” and “ah.” Meltzer concluded, “Talking slower is related to thinking slower,” indicating that these changes could be an early sign of cognitive deterioration.

While the frequent use of filler words alone does not directly indicate cognitive decline, Meltzer cautioned that an increase in their usage over time could signal potential issues. “If you do it more than you did five years ago, maybe you want to take a look at your cardiovascular health,” he advised.

Early Detection Potential

Meltzer emphasized that while the assessment developed by his research team is not a definitive method for diagnosing cognitive decline, it can serve as an early detection tool. “If you test someone once, they may have dementia, or they may not,” he explained. “However, testing someone twice, with a year in between, can reveal significant declines in brain health.”

This promising development offers hope that the methodology can also assist in evaluating the effectiveness of dementia treatments and medications.

Modifiable Risk Factors

In discussing ways to delay cognitive disorders such as dementia, Meltzer pointed to several modifiable risk factors. He highlighted the importance of reducing isolation and loneliness, as well as engaging in regular physical activity. “The single best thing you can do is go on a walk with your friend,” he recommended.

Other factors that may help in preventing cognitive decline include bilingualism and attaining higher education levels. While these aspects may not completely halt brain damage, they can enhance the brain’s resilience. Unfortunately, age and genetics remain non-modifiable risk factors that contribute to cognitive issues.

As this research unfolds, it could pave the way for innovative approaches to monitoring cognitive health through everyday speech, offering individuals and healthcare providers valuable insights into brain function over time.