Voice Disorders Linked to Increased Dementia Risk, Study Finds

New research indicates that voice disorders, such as changes in pitch, volume, or clarity, might signal a higher risk of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.

A study conducted with 833,417 participants aged 50 and older explored the link between voice disorders, hearing loss, and the likelihood of developing cognitive issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, one year after diagnosis of the voice disorder or hearing loss.

The study, carried out by the Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, was published in the Journal of Voice.

Key Findings

• Participants with a voice disorder but without hearing loss had a 58% increased risk of developing dementia.
• Those with both a voice disorder and hearing loss faced a 104% increased risk.
• Overall, participants with voice disorders, with or without hearing loss, showed a 29% increased probability of dementia.
• Individuals with only hearing loss faced a 27% greater risk.

Robert Sataloff, a professor at Drexel University, highlighted the strongest association between dementia and individuals experiencing both voice disorders and hearing loss.

Voice Disorders Examples

The Cleveland Clinic lists examples of voice disorders, including laryngitis, vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord lesions, and spasmodic dysphonia.

Voice disorders and hearing loss might reduce social interaction, which can influence dementia development. Research suggests that social engagements stimulate the brain and may help combat dementia.

Despite these findings, having a voice disorder does not guarantee cognitive impairment or dementia in the future. It also doesn’t necessarily indicate the initial stages of brain decline.

Sadie Chafe, a writer on the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, contributed to this report.