The Telltale Um: Unpacking the Surprising Link Between Speech Patterns and Cognitive Decline Researchers at Baycrest, the University of Toronto, and York University have found a groundbreaking link between everyday speech patterns and executive function – the mental system responsible for memory, planning, focus, and flexible thinking.
By using AI to analyze natural conversations, they were able to predict cognitive performance with surprising accuracy.
This research builds on earlier studies showing that older adults who speak more quickly tend to maintain stronger thinking skills over time.