Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026
05:58
Digital Handwriting Analysis of Characters in Chinese Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: March 11, 2021
Voice Disorders as Early Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline
Anthony G Russo1, Mary J Hawkshaw2, Robert T Sataloff3
1Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Diagnosed voice disorders significantly increase the risk of cognitive decline, potentially serving as an early biomarker. Early voice intervention may benefit cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dementia affects over 57 million globally, with hearing loss identified as the largest modifiable risk factor.
- Voice abnormalities correlate with cognitive status and decline.
- This study is the first large-scale examination of diagnosed voice disorders as an independent risk factor for cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between diagnosed voice disorders and incident cognitive decline.
- To compare the risk associated with voice disorders to that of hearing loss, a known dementia risk factor.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the TriNetX US Collaborative Health Network platform.
- Compared patients with diagnosed voice disorders to matched controls.
- Included a hearing loss cohort for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- Voice disorders were associated with a significantly elevated risk of incident cognitive decline (HR=1.291).
- Hearing loss alone showed a slightly lower risk (HR=1.267).
- Voice disorders with hearing loss presented the highest risk (HR=2.038 vs. controls).
Conclusions:
- Diagnosed voice disorders are linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline, potentially stronger than hearing loss alone.
- Otolaryngology and primary care settings are potential points for cognitive assessment.
- Further research into early voice disorder treatment for cognitive benefits is warranted.
More Related Videos
05:48Memorization-Based Training and Testing Paradigm for Robust Vocal Identity Recognition in Expressive Speech Using Event-Related Potentials Analysis
Published on: August 9, 2024
07:30Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
Published on: April 23, 2021
Related Concept Videos
01:29Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Alzheimer disease is a chronic, progressive, and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in older adults. It leads to gradual neuronal loss, causing cognitive decline, behavioral changes, and loss of functional independence.Risk Factors and EtiologyThe disease is multifactorial. Age is the strongest risk factor, with prevalence doubling every 5 years after age 65. Genetic factors include mutations in genes such as APP, PSEN1, and PSEN2, which are associated...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
01:27Language and Cognition
Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ and tau...
01:30Dementia
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual.