Speech Changes and Pauses: It May Be the First Sign of Alzheimer’s

A recent study has revealed that changes in speech could be among the first signs of the Alzheimer’s. The study was conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and it found that individuals with cognitive issues experience noticeable changes in their speech when compared to people without cognitive decline. Researchers are hoping that speech analysis can be helpful in the early detection of Alzheimer’s in San Antonio TX and lead to a better understanding of the condition.

The use of filler words and pauses could indicate cognitive decline, according to the research. In the study, participants were asked to describe pictures that were shown to them in taped sessions, which were two years apart. Participants with early mild cognitive impairment showed a decline in verbal skills over the two years. Individuals without cognitive issues were tested as well, but there were no changes in their verbal skills. Participants from the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention were asked, too, and they were found to have shown declines on fluency and content, using pronouns like ‘they’ or ‘it’ rather than specific words. It took longer for them to express their ideas.

Take note, however, that the inability to recall names is not necessarily a sign of Alzheimer’s in San Antonio TX. Minor lapses in memory—such as forgetting where you put your passport or forgetting someone’s name—may be. If one has Alzheimer’s, these lapses become more frequent and will tend to interfere with proper communication. The memory loss also becomes worse over time. Almost 47 million people around the world have dementia, and due to the absence of a cure, doctors are relying on early detection methods such as speech analysis to determine the onset of Alzheimer’s and help the individual manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the condition.