Evaluation of an objective technique for analysing temporal variables in DAT spontaneous speech

This paper describes a technique for quantifying the degree of speech deficits in probable dementia of Alzheimer's type (DAT). The technique involves interviewing individuals with DAT and transcribing their speech. From these transcripts five measurements that reflect the physical characteristics of this speech can be calculated, each measure being dependent on speech fluency and pauses. Eight patients with DAT and eight healthy participants were interviewed and their conversational speech analysed. The paper discusses statistical results obtained with these parameters and explores their usefulness for quantifying speech deficits in DAT. The paper recommends similar analysis with a larger sample and its integration with other linguistic methods of analysing the language deficits experienced by people with DAT.