Rachel V Thomas

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Voice Changes In Older Adults May Be An Early Sign Of Cognitive Decline, Finds Study

Changes in voice pitch, volume or clarity in older adults could be an early warning sign of <span>cognitive decline</span>, according to a new analysis.

The study, published in the Journal of Voice, found that older adults who experienced a decline in voice quality had a higher risk of cognitive impairment or <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/dementia">dementia</a></span> than those without a voice disorder.

<h2>Voice Disorders And Higher Dementia Risk</h2>

The study tracked the health of more than 833,000 older Americans. Researchers found that people with a voice disorder had a 58% higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than those without voice problems.

The risk was even higher among people who had both a voice disorder and <span>hearing loss</span>, a well-recognized risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

A brief episode of hoarseness does not mean that a person is developing dementia.

However, persistent or noticeable changes in the voice, particularly when accompanied by hearing loss, may warrant a medical evaluation and, where appropriate, an assessment of cognitive health.

“We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss,” said study author Dr. Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.

“Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only. It may be valuable for many of these patients to talk with an otolaryngologist who can arrange a cognitive assessment to help patients develop an appropriate care plan.”

<h2>Why <span rel="noindex">Voice Changes</span> Can Signal Cognitive Decline?</h2>

The researchers speculate that voice disorders may contribute to cognitive decline by limiting social interaction, which can also be affected by hearing loss.

People who have difficulty speaking or hearing may avoid social gatherings or group activities because they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about their limitations. However, social engagement can help keep the ageing brain active by providing ongoing mental stimulation.

“If you have a voice disorder that impacts how your voice sounds or if it’s painful when you attempt to talk or sing, it’s only natural to participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities,” Dr. Sataloff said.

Speaking less may mean less social and cognitive stimulation, which could potentially contribute to dementia risk. However, the researchers also noted another possibility: changes in the brain associated with dementia could themselves contribute to voice problems. However, this has not been directly studied.

<h2>Voice Problems Can Have Treatable Causes</h2>

Most people with voice disorders will not go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Voice changes can have several other causes, including thyroid problems and cysts on the vocal cords, some of which can be treated effectively.

Speech therapists can also help people with impaired speech communicate more effectively and confidently.

Seeking medical attention for persistent voice changes can therefore help identify treatable causes and determine whether further evaluation, including a cognitive assessment, is needed.

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Changes in voice pitch, volume or clarity in older adults could be an early warning sign of cognitive decline, according to a new analysis.The study, published in the Journal of Voice, found that older adults who experienced a decline in voice quality had a higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than those without a voice disorder.Voice Disorders And Higher Dementia RiskThe study tracked the health of more than 833,000 older Americans. Researchers found that people with a voice disorder had a 58% higher risk of cognitive impairment or dementia than those without voice problems.The risk was even higher among people who had both a voice disorder and hearing loss, a well-recognized risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.Who Should Worry?A brief episode of hoarseness does not mean that a person is developing dementia.However, persistent or noticeable changes in the voice, particularly when accompanied by hearing loss, may warrant a medical evaluation and, where appropriate, an assessment of cognitive health.“We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss,” said study author Dr. Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at Drexel University’s College of Medicine.“Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only. It may be valuable for many of these patients to talk with an otolaryngologist who can arrange a cognitive assessment to help patients develop an appropriate care plan.”Why Voice Changes Can Signal Cognitive Decline?The researchers speculate that voice disorders may contribute to cognitive decline by limiting social interaction, which can also be affected by hearing loss.People who have difficulty speaking or hearing may avoid social gatherings or group activities because they feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about their limitations. However, social engagement can help keep the ageing brain active by providing ongoing mental stimulation.“If you have a voice disorder that impacts how your voice sounds or if it’s painful when you attempt to talk or sing, it’s only natural to participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities,” Dr. Sataloff said.Speaking less may mean less social and cognitive stimulation, which could potentially contribute to dementia risk. However, the researchers also noted another possibility: changes in the brain associated with dementia could themselves contribute to voice problems. However, this has not been directly studied.Voice Problems Can Have Treatable CausesMost people with voice disorders will not go on to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Voice changes can have several other causes, including thyroid problems and cysts on the vocal cords, some of which can be treated effectively.Speech therapists can also help people with impaired speech communicate more effectively and confidently.Seeking medical attention for persistent voice changes can therefore help identify treatable causes and determine whether further evaluation, including a cognitive assessment, is needed.

voice changes in older adults may be an early sign of cognitive decline, finds study

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