Frailty Syndrome, Cognition, and Dysphonia in the Elderly

• Published in: Journal of voice 2020-01, Vol.34 (1), p.160.e15-160.e23
• Main Authors: Samlan, Robin A., Black, Mindy A., Abidov, Meira, Mohler, Jane, Fain, Mindy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic; Aging voice; Cognition; Frailty; Patient-reported outcome; Presbyphonia
• ISSN: 0892-1997; 1873-4588
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.06.001

The purpose of the current study is to determine the relation of frailty syndrome to acoustic measures of voice quality and voice-related handicap. Seventy-three adults (52 community-dwelling participants and 21 assisted living residents) age 60 and older completed frailty screening, acoustic assessment, cognitive screening, and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Factor analysis was used to consolidate acoustic measures. Statistical analysis included multiple regression, analysis of variance, and Tukey post-hoc tests with alfa of 0.05. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and exhaustion explained 28% of the variance in VHI-10. MoCA and sex explained 27% of the variance in factor 1 (spectral ratio), age and MoCA explained 13% of the variance in factor 2 (cepstral peak prominence for speech), and slowness explained 10% of the variance in factor 3 (cepstral peak prominence for sustained /a/). There were statistically significant differences in two measures across frailty groups: VHI-10 and MoCA. Acoustic factor scores did not differ significantly among frailty groups (P > 0.05). Voice-related handicap and cognitive status differed among robust and frail older adults, yet vocal function measures did not. The components of frailty most related to VHI-10 were exhaustion and weight loss rather than slowness, weakness, or inactivity. Based on these findings, routine screening of physical frailty and cognition are recommended as part of a complete voice evaluation for older adults.