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Association between speech rate measures and cognitive function in people with relapsing and progressive multiple
Clodagh O'Keeffe1, Siew Mei Yap2, Laura Davenport
1Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College, The University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Summary
Speech impairments in multiple sclerosis (MS) are linked to cognitive deficits. Information processing speed and executive functions significantly impact speech rate in individuals with MS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Speech Science
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Cognitive impairments are common in multiple sclerosis (MS), but speech impairments are often underestimated.
- Understanding the interplay between speech and cognition is crucial for managing MS effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess speech rate in spontaneous and read speech in people with MS.
- To investigate the relationship between speech characteristics and cognitive function in MS.
Main Methods:
- 45 individuals with MS and 25 controls completed cognitive tests (executive function, information processing, memory).
- Speech rate was measured from a reading task and a picture description task.
Main Results:
- Progressive MS patients showed reduced articulation and speech rate compared to controls and relapsing MS patients.
- Information processing speed explained 18-30% of spontaneous speech rate variance and 27% of read speech variance.
- Executive functioning accounted for an additional 10% of speech rate variance in MS.
Conclusions:
- Speech production in MS is dependent on cognitive abilities.
- Information processing speed and executive functioning are significantly associated with speech timing in MS.
