Dual-task speech performance in multiple sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Cognitive-motor interference is known in multiple sclerosis (MS), but cognitive-speech motor interference remains unstudied.
• This research investigates cognitive-speech motor interference in individuals with MS, particularly those with co-occurring dysarthria and cognitive impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the presence and impact of cognitive-speech motor interference in MS.
• To explore within-subject changes in speech measures under single-task versus dual-task conditions for individuals with MS, dysarthria, and cognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• A dual-task paradigm was employed with 21 individuals with MS and 21 controls.
• Participants performed single-task sentence reading aloud and dual-task sentence reading while performing a cognitive-linguistic task.
• Speech measures included speech rate, articulation rate, silent pause frequency/duration, and total sentence duration.

Main Results:

• Both groups exhibited significantly slower speech during the dual-task condition.
• Individuals with MS, dysarthria, and cognitive impairment showed significantly greater differences in speech rate and sentence duration compared to those with only dysarthria.
• These speech differences correlated with executive function deficits, processing speed impairments, and lower educational attainment.

Conclusions:

• The dual-task paradigm effectively highlights negative compounding effects on speech rate and sentence duration in MS patients with cognitive impairment and dysarthria.
• This approach shows potential for identifying individuals with MS at greater risk for communication difficulties.
• Further research is needed to validate these findings and assess the real-world impact on communication effectiveness and quality of life.