Voice can tell about human aging - details from scientists
Researchers have developed an algorithm that evaluates over 700 speech parameters to calculate 'speech age'. Exceeding this indicator over real age may indicate cognitive impairment, dementia, and brain aging. The study involved 2,928 Spanish-speaking volunteers.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that evaluates over 700 speech parameters within minutes of conversation and calculates 'speech age'. A noticeable excess of this indicator over real age may indicate cognitive impairment, including dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The study, published by TSN, involved 2,928 Spanish-speaking volunteers from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Scientists compared speech data with results of cognitive tests, neuroimaging, and biomarkers, including blood levels of p-tau217. It was found that a larger speech age gap is associated with signs of brain aging and memory decline. The authors emphasize the simplicity of the method: speech recording can be done remotely and regularly. However, the technology remains a research tool and requires validation in other languages and long-term studies.