Drexel University researchers find a strong link between voice disorders and dementiac

Add ARY News on GoogleFollow on Google DiscoverImage: iStockAAResizeRecent research shows that changes in vocal pitch, volume, or clarity may be linked to a higher chance of developing dementia or cognitive problems later on.

The study looked at 833,417 people aged 50 and older to see if having a voice disorder, hearing loss, or both increased their risk of developing dementia or cognitive problems, starting one year after their diagnoses.

Researchers from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia published their findings in the Journal of Voice.

The results showed that people with a voice disorder but no hearing loss were 58% more likely to develop dementia or cognitive issues in the future. Those with both a voice disorder and hearing loss had a 104% higher chance.

Overall, people with voice disorders, whether or not they also had hearing loss, had a 29% higher chance of developing dementia or cognitive problems. Those with only hearing loss had a 27% greater risk.

“We found the strongest link with dementia among patients experiencing a voice disorder and hearing loss,” said Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair at the Drexel University College of Medicine, Science Alert reported.

“Importantly, we found that those with a voice disorder and no hearing loss were at greater risk than patients who experience hearing loss only,” he added.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, examples of voice disorders include laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord lesions, and spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia), among others.

Researchers pointed out that getting treatment for a voice disorder may help support brain health, even if the link to dementia is still being studied.

Hearing loss and speaking difficulties can make people less likely to socialize. Studies show that staying socially active helps keep the brain healthy and may help prevent dementia.

Sataloff said it is “only natural” for voice disorders and hearing loss to be linked to cognitive problems.

As the doctor speaks, a woman puts her hand to her ear to show she cannot hear well.

He noted that people who feel pain or discomfort when talking or singing might “participate less often in brain-supporting social or other engaging activities.”

Even with these findings, having a voice disorder does not mean someone will definitely develop cognitive problems in the future.

Also, vocal issues do not always signal the start of brain decline or the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

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