Voice disorders linked to higher risk of dementia, study finds

The short version

• A study from Drexel University College of Medicine found that adults aged 50 and older with voice disorders face a higher probability of developing dementia or cognitive impairment.[Fox News]
• The analysis evaluated over 833,000 individuals, noting a 58% increased risk for those with a voice disorder alone and a 104% increased chance when combined with hearing loss.[Fox News]
• Researchers noted that a voice disorder does not guarantee that cognitive decline will inevitably occur.[Fox News]

Key facts

• A study conducted by Drexel University College of Medicine evaluated 833,417 individuals aged 50 and older and was published in the Journal of Voice.[Fox News]
• Participants experiencing a voice disorder without hearing loss faced a 58% increased likelihood of later developing cognitive issues or dementia.[Fox News]
• Individuals with both a voice disorder and hearing loss experienced a 104% chance of cognitive impairment.[Fox News]
• Across all participants with voice disorders, there was a 29% greater risk of cognitive decline, compared to a 27% increased risk for those with only hearing loss.[Fox News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

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