Saying ‘Um’ More Frequently May Signal Cognitive Decline - Study Finds

A study by researchers from the University of Toronto and Baycrest Hospital analyzed the speech patterns of 241 adults aged 18 to 90 and discovered that filler words and pauses in speech are linked to executive function abilities. This study indicates that natural speech analysis might serve as a simpler and more effective means of tracking cognitive changes over time compared to traditional screening tools like the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The findings reveal that individuals producing more pauses and fillers during conversation scored lower on tests assessing cognitive control, including working memory and verbal fluency. Unlike the MoCA, which may overlook subtle shifts in cognitive function due to its focus on episodic memory, the timing and frequency of speech components more directly measure executive functions. The research presents a compelling case for using everyday speech as a potential non-invasive method for monitoring cognitive health, particularly as individuals age, and provides a platform for future studies on cognitive decline and dementia.