Language function in multiple sclerosis

Changes in thinking, memory, mood and behaviour that occur in MS can result in altered communication. Even small changes are detectable in how people with MS speak, the language they use, the decisions they make in verbal tasks, and the emotions they express when talking.

Professor Adam Vogel and his team are combining cutting-edge digital speech assessment technology, advanced artificial intelligence (AI) systems and emotion and sentiment analysis to screen for cognitive decline. Professor Vogel and his team will use speech data from the ACTIVE-MS Program (a program using self-monitoring to detect treatment failure and MS disease progression) to validate their analyses. They are also using these AI tools to monitor the real-world impact of MS and to measure outcomes in disease management.

These technologies can detect subtle changes in speech patterns and emotional expression, allowing for early screening and appropriate and timely intervention. Continuous monitoring can provide real-time insights into disease progression at any stage, aiding in precise management of the condition. These methods will have wide applications across other neurodegenerative and developmental conditions.