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Speech Patterns Reveal Cognitive Changes Across Lifespan
15 Nov
Summary
- Study links word-finding difficulties in natural speech to executive function decline
- Speech timing and pauses strongly associated with cognitive abilities
- Standard tests often miss these speech-based indicators of cognitive changes
According to a study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research on November 7, 2025, word-finding difficulties in natural speech may be an indicator of broader cognitive changes. Researchers from the University of Toronto and Baycrest Hospital analyzed speech samples from two groups - 67 older adults aged 65-75 and 174 adults aged 18-90.
The study revealed that older adults' word-finding problems were significantly linked to declines in executive function (EF). Importantly, the researchers found these speech-based indicators of EF changes were not fully captured by standard cognitive assessments like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
The findings suggest that analyzing natural speech patterns, such as pauses and speech rate, could provide a more sensitive and convenient way to track cognitive abilities over the adult lifespan. Researchers noted the strong associations between speech timing and EF, highlighting the potential of this approach to complement traditional testing methods.
