A new study finds that frequent pauses and filler words like “um” in everyday speech strongly correlate with subtle declines in executive function.
Frequent use of filler words such as “um” and “uh” may serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline, according to a report from STUDYFINDS. The study, led by Hsi T. Wei of the University of Toronto and published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, examined speech samples from 241 adults aged 18 to 90.
Researchers analyzed picture-description tasks, extracting more than 700 speech features including pause length, rate, and filled-pause frequency. Participants also completed executive function tests measuring working memory, inhibition, mental flexibility, and verbal fluency. The study found that adults who produced more pauses or fillers performed worse on these cognitive assessments. “Ums” and “uhs” reflected genuine word-finding challenges rather than simple speaking habits.
Timing-related features consistently predicted executive function across age groups. Older adults showed clear links between speech hesitations and difficulties in inhibition, working memory, and shifting tasks. A larger normative sample confirmed that medium-to-long pauses correlated with weaker verbal fluency.
Researchers noted that these speech patterns captured nuances missed by standard screening tools such as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which showed only modest correlations with speech timing. Because natural speech tasks are simple, repeatable, and less influenced by practice effects, the team says they could offer a practical way to track cognitive change over time.
The study suggests everyday speech analysis may become a valuable tool for monitoring cognitive health across adulthood.