Aging is often accompanied by moments of forgetting someone's name or confused when finding the right words. However, experts warn that small changes in speaking style, such as speaking more slowly, stuttering or repeating words, can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, a neurodegenerative disease that is common in older adults.
Voiceover can be a reliable indicator of mild cognitive decline (MCI), pre-Alzerin's stage. The first study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, found that slow spoke speeds and prolonged breaks while recounting memories are potential manifestations of Alzheimer's disease. Another study, published in Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, found that even healthy older adults who start slowing down for unknown reasons may be facing cognitive decline.
We are working hard to find early detection tools for Alzheimer's disease because early intervention can slow down the disease process, Dr. Emma Weizenbaum, a neurologist at Brigham and Womens Hospital (USA), shared via email with verywell Health. However, she noted: "The signs of the voice are promising but need to be interpreted cautiously because they are not enough for clinical conclusions."
Not only in traditional research, artificial intelligence (AI) technology is also being applied. A recent study at the University of Washington Medical School (UW) shows that the AI tool for voice analysis can predict with an accuracy of 78% of people at risk of switching from mild cognitive decline to Alzheimer's within six years.
According to Dr. Jeanne Gallee, speech therapist and post-doctoral research fellow at the Alzheimer's Research Center of the UW School of Medicine: Voice tools can be useful, but need to be combined with specific treatment strategies. The important thing is not only to diagnose, but also to instruct how to respond afterwards".
Since communication is often the earliest affected skill in Alzheimer's disease, experts recommend that if your loved one starts to speak repeatedly, is hesitant, or has difficulty participating in the conversation, seek medical evaluation. Learning to support patients, such as speaking slowly, giving them time to respond and using appropriate communication tools, will help improve the quality of life significantly.
Any form of language intervention that helps maintain communication skills has a big impact on autonomy and daily life, Dr. Gallee emphasizes.
Things to keep in mind: Small changes in your voice should not be overlooked. If you notice this change in yourself or your loved one, talk to your healthcare provider, as early detection is the first step to slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
