Vocal biomarkers for geriatric health assessment: a scoping review protocol

Global ageing populations require accessible, non-invasive tools for early detection and monitoring of neurological chronic and neurodegenerative diseases. Current diagnostic methods face limitations including invasiveness, high costs and infrequent clinical assessments. The human voice has emerged as a promising digital biomarker, with vocal characteristics reflecting physiological and cognitive changes associated with conditions like dementia and Parkinson's disease. While artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning have enabled sophisticated vocal analysis, the literature remains fragmented without comprehensive synthesis. This scoping review protocol delineates a systematic approach to collate and synthesise existing research on the application of AI-driven audio biomarkers for the detection and management of neurological diseases (eg, cognitive decline, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's, dementia and depression) in older adults aged 65 years and above.

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines and the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, incorporating recent methodological advancements. The eligibility criteria for study selection will be formulated using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. A comprehensive literature search will be performed across several electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, Embase, Compendex, CINAHL, Scientific Information Database (SID), Magiran, IranMedex and Barakat Knowledge Network System (BKNS). The search will encompass peer-reviewed articles published in Persian and English from 1 January 2012 to 31 March 2026. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts and full texts and extract data according to the predefined PCC-based eligibility criteria. Discrepancies will be resolved through discussion or, if necessary, by consultation with a third reviewer. The results will be synthesised and presented narratively, accompanied by summary tables, charts and figures to address each research question.

The Research Ethics Committee of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences approved the protocol for this scoping review (approval number: IR.TBZMED.VCR.REC.1404.223). They concluded that since the review involves only analysis of existing literature without direct patient involvement or clinical procedures, it meets the relevant ethical standards. Results from the review will be shared through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations to provide valuable insights for researchers, clinicians and policymakers on the use of audio-based biomarkers in older adults.

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