# Temporal Parameters of Spontaneous Speech as Early Indicators of Alcohol-Related Cognitive Impairment

## TL;DR

This study finds that speech patterns can reveal early signs of alcohol-related cognitive impairment before severe symptoms appear.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific speech tempo and pause parameters as novel early indicators of cognitive decline in alcohol use disorder.

## Key findings

- Ten out of fifteen temporal speech parameters were significantly different between AUD patients and controls.
- Speech tempo and total pause duration rate showed strong classification potential for cognitive impairment.
- Filled pause-related parameters were particularly altered in alcohol-related cognitive impairment.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Most patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) suffer from mild cognitive decline, which does not meet the diagnostic criteria of the severe form of alcohol-related cognitive impairment (ARCI). ARCI is associated with executive abnormalities in addictive behaviors and therefore influences relapse and daily functioning. Abnormalities in speech production reflect cognitive disturbances. The aim of this study was to examine the temporal speech parameters (TSPs) in ARCI. Methods: The TSPs were measured with the S-GAP Test® on 34 AUD patients with intact cognitive functions and 31 age- and gender-matched control participants. Results: Ten out of fifteen parameters of TSPs were significantly different between the AUD and healthy groups. Speech tempo and the total pause duration rate have significant classification potential. Conclusions: Our exploratory study revealed that filled pause-related temporal parameters appear to be particularly altered in ARCI and indicated that marked TSP alterations could serve as early indicators of cognitive deficits.