Study: The way we speak may show how fast the brain is ageing

The way we speak may tell us how fast we are ageing. Some researchers have hypothesised that the voice and the manner of speaking can provide important clues about brain health.

They have used a system called the "speech clock", which analyses the way a person speaks and calculates an approximate speech age. This is then compared with the individual’s real age.

The study analysed recordings of around 3,000 adults in Latin America. Artificial intelligence examined speech rhythm, pauses, tone of voice, vocabulary and the way people expressed ideas.

The results showed that people whose speech seemed older than their real age had more signs of brain ageing and weaker results in tests of memory, concentration and problem-solving.

A link was also found with a protein in the blood associated with Alzheimer’s.

However, the researchers say the "speech clock" is not yet a diagnostic test for dementia. It is seen as a new, inexpensive and non-invasive way to study ageing and brain health.