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A Change in Your Voice Could Foreshadow Cognitive Decline, Major Study Finds
Yahoo Health • • health
Key Points:
- New research from Drexel University College of Medicine suggests that worsening voice quality may be an early indicator of an increased risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
- The study of over 833,000 participants aged 50 and older found that those with voice disorders but no hearing loss were 58% more likely to develop cognitive impairment or dementia, while those with both voice disorders and hearing loss had a 104% increased risk.
- Voice disorders, which include changes in pitch, volume, or clarity, might reduce social engagement and brain stimulation, factors known to be protective against cognitive decline.
- Although the study does not establish causation, it highlights the potential value of voice quality as a warning sign and suggests that patients with voice issues might benefit from cognitive assessments and appropriate care plans.
- The researchers recommend further studies to investigate specific types of voice disorders and whether treatment can influence the risk of cognitive decline or dementia.
