A new study of more than 833,000 adults over the age of 50 has found a significant link between voice disorders and the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia, according to "The Washington Post". Researchers analyzed data from primary care visits over several years, including cases of mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Overall, people diagnosed with a voice disorder had about 29% more more likely to develop a cognitive problem than people without the disorder. The result was particularly interesting because the link persisted even in people who did not have hearing loss. When the researchers divided the participants by hearing, people who had both a voice disorder and hearing loss had more than twice the risk of cognitive impairment or dementia. Meanwhile, those with only a voice disorder had a 58% higher risk of high compared to the group without any of these problems. Voice disorders do not mean only hoarseness. They can appear as a very weak, hoarse, strained, broken, trembling voice, sudden changes in pitch or difficulty holding the voice for a long time. With age, loss of tissue mass, nerve changes and weakening of the respiratory muscles can affect. Acid reflux, smoking, inflammation and vocal cord problems are also possible causes. Researchers have several theories about the connection to the brain. One is that voice problems may cause people to avoid conversation and social activities. Social isolation has previously been linked to an increased risk of dementia. Another possibility is that certain neurological changes simultaneously affect the nerve areas that control voice, hearing, and function. However, the researchers emphasize that this does not mean that a hoarse or weak voice causes dementia. The study was observational and only shows a statistical association. It is not yet known whether treating a voice disorder can reduce the risk of dementia. The main message is that a new and persistent voice change should not simply be attributed to age. An evaluation by a doctor, otolaryngologist or speech therapy specialist speech can reveal treatable causes, such as vocal cord problems, reflux or thyroid disorders. In some cases, voice changes can also be related to neurological problems such as Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis or the effects of a stroke.

Source: prizrenpost