Subtle change in how you speak could be early sign of dementia risk, new research suggests

New research suggests that voice disorders, including shifts in vocal pitch, volume or clarity, could indicate a higher probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment in the future.

A study involving 833,417 participants aged 50 and older examined the connection between a voice disorder, hearing loss, or both with the chance of developing cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, beginning a year after the voice disorder and hearing loss diagnoses.

The findings from the study, conducted by a team at the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, were published in the Journal of Voice.

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Results showed that participants with a voice disorder but no hearing loss had a 58% increased likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive issues in the future — whereas participants with a voice disorder and hearing loss had a 104% chance.

For all participants with voice disorders, with or without hearing loss, there was a 29% increased probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment, whereas those with only hearing loss had a 27% greater risk.

"We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss," said Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at the Drexel University College of Medicine, Science Alert reported.

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"Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only," he added.

Examples of voice disorders include laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord lesions and spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia), among others, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Regardless of the possible correlation between vocal issues and dementia, researchers noted that seeking treatment for a voice disorder could also benefit a patient’s brain.

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Hearing loss and trouble speaking could discourage individuals from socializing with others, and studies have shown that social engagement can stimulate the brain and play a role in warding off dementia.

Sataloff said that it’s "only natural" for voice disorders and hearing loss to be connected to cognitive impairment.

Those who experience pain or discomfort when talking or singing might "participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities," he noted.

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Despite the study's findings, having a voice disorder doesn’t necessarily mean that future cognitive impairment is absolutely certain.

Additionally, it’s not guaranteed that vocal issues indicate the beginning of a decline in brain function or the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s.