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Influence of cognitive function on speech and articulation rate in multiple sclerosis
Jonathan D Rodgers1, Kris Tjaden, Lynda Feenaughty
1Jacobs Neurological Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|October 13, 2012
Summary
Cognitive function impacts speech rate in multiple sclerosis (MS). Information processing speed and memory predict speech and articulation rates in MS patients, more so than in healthy controls.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can affect cognitive functions, including information processing speed and memory.
- Speech and articulation rate are important measures of communication ability.
- The relationship between specific cognitive deficits and speech production in MS is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cognitive predictors of speech and articulation rate in individuals with MS.
- To compare the influence of cognitive variables on speech rate between MS patients and healthy controls.
- To identify which cognitive functions are most strongly associated with speech production in MS.
Main Methods:
- Assessed speech and articulation rate from oral reading and self-generated speech in 50 MS patients and 23 controls.
- Administered the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in Multiple Sclerosis (MACFIMS) battery and other cognitive tests.
- Used analysis of variance to compare rate measures and identify cognitive predictors.
Main Results:
- MS patients exhibited slower speech and articulation rates compared to controls.
- Cognitive variables explained more variance in rate measures for the MS group.
- Information processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test) was a key predictor.
- Memory composite predicted self-generated speech rate, beyond processing speed.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive function, particularly information processing speed and memory, significantly influences speech and articulation rates in MS.
- Speech rate differences in MS are partly explained by cognitive impairments.
- Further research is needed to explore these relationships and their clinical implications.
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