Changed speech may be an early sign of Parkinson's disease

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In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, people's speech changes, researchers said.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative pathology in which brain cells slowly die off. There is no cure for this disease, but early detection of its signs allows you to start therapy, thanks to which the progression of the disease is slowed down and the quality of life is improved.

Scientists representing Kaunas University of Technology stated that an early symptom of Parkinson's disease may be changed speech – “people with early stage Parkinson's disease speak in a quieter and monotonous tone.”

As part of the scientific investigation, doctors used artificial intelligence to analyze speech patterns. The test participants were placed in a soundproof booth, where a built-in microphone recorded their speech. Recordings were made of how people with and without Parkinson's disease spoke. Thus, it was established that with Parkinsonism, a characteristic change in speech occurs, which loses its emotional coloring, becomes quiet, difficult for others.

In turn, the British NHS states that there are three main signs of Parkinson's disease – this is involuntary trembling of individual parts of the body (tremor), slowed movements, as well as muscles that become stiff and inflexible. A wider range of symptoms of the disease includes loss of smell, problems with sleep and memory, impaired balance and falls, and a depressed state.