Researchers at the University of Toronto found that speaking more slowly in older ages may indicate a decline in cognitive skills. Study results published In the journal Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition (ANC).
In the study, 125 healthy volunteers aged between 18 and 90 were asked to complete three different tests. The first test involved identifying an image and answering questions about it in the presence of a distractor (an audio headset saying random words).
Participants were then asked to verbally describe two different pictures (60 seconds were allotted for each picture). Language abilities were analyzed using artificial intelligence software. The researchers also took into account the participants’ speaking speed and the number of pauses they took while explaining. The third phase of the experiment was testing to assess cognitive skills.
The results showed that the number and duration of pauses participants took to find words were not associated with poor brain health. However, overall declines in speech rate (including slower word production) were associated with declines in cognitive abilities, particularly memory.
It is noted that many older people are concerned about the need to pause to find the most appropriate words. Scientists say that this change is a natural part of the aging process. On the other hand, slow speech is generally not normal.
Previously AI learned They predict Alzheimer’s disease seven years before the first symptoms.
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Source: Gazeta
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