Scientists have developed a new method for the detection of Alzheimer's disease
Photo: Fotolia / Kacso Sandor
Acoustic analysis of voice and speech allows for early detection of Alzheimer\'s disease, reported Wrocław doctors and engineers. After two years of research they developed a method and a prototype device to assist in a correct diagnosis.
Head of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department at the University Hospital in Wrocław Prof. Tomasz Kręcicki said at a press conference that the method of acoustic analysis of voice and speech is a cheap and effective way of early detection and monitoring of the course of Alzheimer\'s disease.
"This is the first such test of voice and speech in the world, and it may prove to be a breakthrough in Alzheimer\'s disease. We have been carrying it out with very good results for two years" - said Kręcicki.
He emphasized that in the analysis, the prototype device uses of the fact that "these patients speak differently and the melody of their speech is specific".
Co-creator of the method and device, Eng. Marcin Just explained that the test takes no more than ten minutes and consists in recording previously prepared tests, for example, a patient first has to say one phone ten times, and then repeat the same phone several times.
"It turns out that when a patient has to count, he pronounces it differently. We examine the +length+ of the phone, but also the distribution of energy during its pronunciation. Voice and speech analysis allows to determine difficulties in connection between the speech centre and the brain, and thus identify the sick" - said Just.
He added that the analysis is performed using specially developed algorithms and a computer program. The testing device itself consists of high-sensitivity microphones and a recorder and it does not need to be larger than a mobile phone.
The size of the device is important, because the next step in the research is to analyse the patient\'s daily voice activity.
Kręcicki noted that the method of acoustic analysis of voice and speech will be an additional tool in the diagnosis and should not replace the evaluation by specialists.
"We would like this method to be used widely and allow to identify persons susceptible to this disease. The final diagnosis would be left to specialists, including psychiatrists, neurologists, and would be preceded by the appropriate tests, among others resonance" - said Kręcicki.
According to the creators of the unit, the cost of mass production will amount to several thousand zlotys.
Alzheimer\'s disease is a type of dementia caused by neurodegeneration and vascular changes in the brain. It affects mainly older people, its symptoms include disorders of memory, balance and all the senses. It is currently diagnosed on the basis of observation, interview and neuropsychological tests. Early diagnosis allows for inhibition of these processes and appropriate rehabilitation of the patient. The World Health Organization estimates that in 2015, approx. 26 million people will suffer from Alzheimer\'s disease. (PAP)
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