Spoiler: it appears the answer is yes! A recent study looked at over 800,000 patient reports and discovered that people who have been diagnosed with a voice disorder at some point in their life are significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life.
We have known for years that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, with a 27% increased risk. One speculation for this is that the inability to hear conversations causes people to withdraw from social interactions, which can enhance the likelihood of dementia. Let’s look at the specifics from this new study.
What did this study show?
The study, Voice Disorders as Early Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline, recently published in the Journal of Voice showed that a history of a voice disorder at any point in the past presents an even higher risk factor than hearing loss for developing dementia. The risk is a whopping 58% greater than for people who never had a voice disorder or hearing loss. And both a voice disorder and hearing loss together is the highest risk factor of all.
The study did not screen for what type of voice disorder people had, or whether it was treated or not. So, was it the folks who had neurologically-based voice disorders who went on to have cognitive issues? (The vagus nerve affects emotions, voice, and various neurologic impairments, for example, and the parts of the brain used for voice are those that can eventually be impaired by dementia). Or does a singer who develops vocal nodules have a greater risk of dementia later in life?
There will undoubtedly be numerous followup studies to parse out these connections. The idea that a history of a voice disorder might be a biomarker for future dementia is a fascinating one, and hopefully will lead to better treatment options (and preventative measures) down the road.
Here’s the thing to remember: correlation is not causation. That means that voice disorders DO NOT CAUSE DEMENTIA. But there is something interesting here.
Meanwhile, what can we do?
Testing
There is a new blood test that screens for the brain protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and there are more tests in development. If you are concerned about the possibility of dementia, you could speak to your doctor about whether a cognitive workup would be a good fit for you.
Lifestyle support
Brain health is helped by certain behaviors, including:
- Regular physical exercise (this seems to be on the prescription list for pretty much all healthy aging, and here it is again!)
- Maintaining healthy blood pressure
- Learning new things
- Stopping smoking
- Staying socially active
- Sleeping well
- Managing stress and mental health
- Singing! Especially in a group!
Brain games
Most brain games alone probably don’t do enough to prevent dementia; they need to be combined with the above. That said, here are some cool game ideas:
A clinical trial funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that a specific type of computerized brain training called “speed of processing” training can lower dementia risk by 25% to 29%. Here’s a little video about it.
These articles from Healthline offers multiple specific suggestions for games and activities to help with dementia or just to keep you mentally sharp.
As always, if you’d like to discuss your own voice or health, reach out to schedule!
