This everyday speech habit might signal early Alzheimer’s–Are you at risk?
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Conversations are the tapestry of our daily lives, woven with words and expressions that convey our thoughts and emotions.
But have you ever found yourself in the middle of a story, only to be halted by the elusive name of a person, place, or the “whatchamacallit” that's on the tip of your tongue?
This phenomenon, known as “lethologica,” is a common occurrence that tends to increase with age.
While often brushed off as a harmless hiccup in our speech, recent research suggests it could be an early harbinger of something more concerning.
A study from the University of Toronto has cast a new light on the subtle signs that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
The researchers employed artificial intelligence software to analyze the language abilities of 125 healthy volunteers, ranging from 18 to 90 years old.
These participants were tasked with describing pictures of everyday objects while simultaneously listening to an audio clip that repeated a word related to the object, complicating their ability to recall the correct name.
In addition to this unique challenge, participants underwent standard cognitive tests to measure their focus, thinking speed, and problem-solving skills.
The findings? While word-finding difficulties did indeed worsen with age, they were not necessarily indicative of cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia.
Instead, the study, published in Aging Neuropsychology and Cognition, revealed that a decrease in speech speed was more closely associated with diminished brain functions.
You might be interested: Doctors shocked about this everyday pill that could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Jed Meltzer, the study's co-author, emphasized the significance of these results. “Our findings suggest that changes in general talking speed may reflect changes in the brain,” he explained.
This insight has led to the recommendation that speech speed should be included in standard cognitive assessments, aiding clinicians in detecting cognitive decline more swiftly and helping older adults support their brain health as they age.
In a related vein, another study highlighted the importance of sleep patterns in relation to dementia risk.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have pointed out that both insufficient and excessive sleep can be detrimental to cognitive health.
Also read: Walking too slow? Your pace could forecast early dementia risk
Striking the right balance with approximately seven hours of sleep each night is crucial, as deviating from this “sleep sweet spot” could increase the likelihood of cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's.
The voice can be a revealing instrument, and experts have identified additional vocal symptoms that may signal the presence of dementia.
Since dementia can damage the brain regions responsible for language, the way a person speaks can change dramatically.
Some of these changes include using related words or substitutes for the correct term, producing sentences with jumbled or meaningless words, or reverting to a first language learned in childhood.
Source: Boonmind / Youtube.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, nor a way to halt its progression. This disease gradually strips individuals of their memories, intellect, and physical capabilities.
Recognizing the early signs, such as changes in speech patterns, is vital for early intervention and support.
Read next: Feeling extra tired lately? Discover the unexpected pre-dementia sign you shouldn’t ignore!
Have you noticed changes in your speech or that of someone close to you? Are you concerned about what these changes could mean for brain health? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below!
Conversations are the tapestry of our daily lives, woven with words and expressions that convey our thoughts and emotions.
But have you ever found yourself in the middle of a story, only to be halted by the elusive name of a person, place, or the “whatchamacallit” that's on the tip of your tongue?
This phenomenon, known as “lethologica,” is a common occurrence that tends to increase with age.
While often brushed off as a harmless hiccup in our speech, recent research suggests it could be an early harbinger of something more concerning.
A study from the University of Toronto has cast a new light on the subtle signs that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia.
The researchers employed artificial intelligence software to analyze the language abilities of 125 healthy volunteers, ranging from 18 to 90 years old.
Struggling to find the right word, a condition known as “lethologica,” may be an early sign of brain changes linked to Alzheimer's, especially as individuals age. Image source: Steven HWG / Unsplash.
These participants were tasked with describing pictures of everyday objects while simultaneously listening to an audio clip that repeated a word related to the object, complicating their ability to recall the correct name.
In addition to this unique challenge, participants underwent standard cognitive tests to measure their focus, thinking speed, and problem-solving skills.
The findings? While word-finding difficulties did indeed worsen with age, they were not necessarily indicative of cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia.
Instead, the study, published in Aging Neuropsychology and Cognition, revealed that a decrease in speech speed was more closely associated with diminished brain functions.
You might be interested: Doctors shocked about this everyday pill that could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s
Dr. Jed Meltzer, the study's co-author, emphasized the significance of these results. “Our findings suggest that changes in general talking speed may reflect changes in the brain,” he explained.
This insight has led to the recommendation that speech speed should be included in standard cognitive assessments, aiding clinicians in detecting cognitive decline more swiftly and helping older adults support their brain health as they age.
In a related vein, another study highlighted the importance of sleep patterns in relation to dementia risk.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have pointed out that both insufficient and excessive sleep can be detrimental to cognitive health.
Also read: Walking too slow? Your pace could forecast early dementia risk
Striking the right balance with approximately seven hours of sleep each night is crucial, as deviating from this “sleep sweet spot” could increase the likelihood of cognitive decline and diseases like Alzheimer's.
The voice can be a revealing instrument, and experts have identified additional vocal symptoms that may signal the presence of dementia.
Since dementia can damage the brain regions responsible for language, the way a person speaks can change dramatically.
Some of these changes include using related words or substitutes for the correct term, producing sentences with jumbled or meaningless words, or reverting to a first language learned in childhood.
Source: Boonmind / Youtube.
Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's, nor a way to halt its progression. This disease gradually strips individuals of their memories, intellect, and physical capabilities.
Recognizing the early signs, such as changes in speech patterns, is vital for early intervention and support.
Read next: Feeling extra tired lately? Discover the unexpected pre-dementia sign you shouldn’t ignore!
Have you noticed changes in your speech or that of someone close to you? Are you concerned about what these changes could mean for brain health? Share your experiences and thoughts with us in the comments below!
