A subtle change in the way you speak could be an early sign of dementia risk, new research suggests

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

A study of 833,417 participants aged 50 and older examined the link between a voice disorder, hearing loss, or both and the risk of developing cognitive impairment or dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, beginning one year after diagnosis of the voice disorder and hearing loss.

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

The results showed that participants with a voice disorder but no hearing loss had a 58% increased chance of developing dementia or cognitive problems in the future – while participants with a voice disorder and hearing loss had a 104% risk.

For all participants with voice disorders, with or without hearing loss, the likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive impairment was increased by 29%, while those with hearing loss alone had a 27% higher risk.

“We found the strongest link to dementia in patients with voice disorders and hearing loss,” said Robert Sataloff, professor and president of the Drexel University College of Medicine, Science Alert reported.

“Importantly, we found that people with voice disorders and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients with hearing loss alone,” he added.

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

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

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

Sataloff said it’s “completely natural” that voice disorders and hearing loss are linked to cognitive impairment.

Those who experience pain or discomfort while speaking or singing might “participate less often in social or other engaging activities that support the brain,” he noted.

Despite the study results, having a voice disorder does not necessarily mean that future cognitive deficit is absolutely certain.

Additionally, it is not guaranteed that voice problems indicate the beginning of a decline in brain function or the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.