It’s quite common to use “ums” and “uhs” when we speak. Almost everyone does it, really. But a recent study has suggested that certain speech patterns involving these filler words might indicate cognitive decline, which can be an early sign of dementia. Experts believe this new data could serve as a valuable framework for clinicians looking to study dementia down the line.
That said, just because you pepper your speech with “likes” or pauses doesn’t mean you’re on the path to dementia. Still, this research adds intriguing context to what we know about dementia and how we communicate.
So, what did the researchers discover, and what should we take from their findings?
What did the study find?
The research, which appeared in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, involved two groups. The first group consisted of 67 healthy older adults ranging from 65 to 75 years old, while the second group included 174 healthy adults aged 18 to 90.
Participants were presented with detailed images and asked to describe them. They also underwent tests to gauge their executive function—essentially a set of mental skills related to memory, planning, attention, and flexible thinking.
Then, researchers employed AI to analyze the speech recordings of the participants. This analysis uncovered numerous subtle aspects of their speech, such as how long they paused, their use of filler words, and the timing in their speech patterns.
The findings showed that “speech disfluencies,” or interruptions in smooth speech, could predict performance on cognitive tests.
The researchers noted, “The findings revealed associations between word-finding ability in natural speech and general executive function across the adult lifespan, supporting natural speech analysis as a convenient and sensitive assessment of general cognitive ability.”
What’s the link between this study and diagnosing dementia?
It’s crucial to understand that while the study found a correlation between speech habits and cognitive issues (including dementia), it doesn’t imply that using filler words means you have dementia. It’s more of an association rather than a definitive diagnosis.
“Filler words are extremely common in everyday speech. Nearly everyone uses them,” explains Daniel H. Daneshvar, a brain injury specialist at Mass General Brigham. “In normal conversation, they can help give the speaker a moment to organize a thought or find a word. By themselves, filler words are not concerning and don’t indicate dementia.”
However, according to Davide Cappon, a neuropsychologist at Tufts Medical Center, issues with word retrieval can point to deeper cognitive issues, including dementia. “Word retrieval problems are among the most common early complaints we hear in memory clinics,” he states. “Patients often say, ‘I know what I want to say, but I can’t get the word out,’ leading to pauses or roundabout ways of expressing themselves.”
Dr. Daneshvar emphasizes the significance of changes in speech patterns. “If someone who has always spoken fluently begins to struggle with word retrieval, has trouble finishing thoughts, or can’t keep up in conversations—especially when combined with memory changes or issues with daily activities—this is definitely something to discuss with a healthcare professional,” he advises.
How to stop using filler words as often
If you’re looking to reduce the use of filler words in your speech—whether to stay sharp or for other reasons—there are a few strategies to consider.
“The most practical methods include slowing down, pausing before answering, using shorter sentences, and becoming comfortable with silence,” suggests Dr. Daneshvar. “Recording yourself briefly can help you become aware of when you use filler words, especially during transitions.”
Despite this, Cappon reassures that there’s no need to be alarmed about your cognitive health if you occasionally say “uh” or “um.” “Healthy individuals do that all the time,” he points out. However, this recent research has a useful aspect. “One of the more promising elements is the idea that analyzing natural speech could eventually assist in tracking subtle cognitive changes over time in an unobtrusive, real-world context.”
Here’s something worth considering.
