Aslyn E. Ford
Academic Background: BSc Linguistics, Psycholinguistics and Communication Differences, Neuroscience Stream (Honours), Carleton University
Program: Prospective MSc Speech-language Pathology
Research Topic: Speech Fluency as an Early Indicator of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
Research Project: This study examines whether a speech fluency test can help detect early signs of cognitive decline in individuals reporting memory or thinking problems, a condition known as subjective cognitive decline (SCD). With dementia and Alzheimer’s disease projected to affect nearly one million Canadians by 2030, early detection is critical, as cognitive symptoms often mark the beginning of neurodegeneration. The study will recruit participants aged 65 and older, comparing their speech fluency scores to age- and education-adjusted norms. It will assess whether individuals with SCD perform worse than those without cognitive concerns, exploring the link between speech fluency and cognitive health. The findings could highlight the potential of speech analysis as an early detection tool, paving the way for earlier interventions and improved care for neurodegenerative diseases.
In my free time, I enjoy long-distance running, playing squash, baking, perfecting sourdough recipes, cooking, and learning Spanish.
