One of the most common cognitive complaints among seniors is word-finding difficulty, according to Alzheimer's & Dementia. Being lost for words can feel scary, frustrating, and leave seniors isolated from conversations with friends and loved ones.
For those looking to spend their senior years in the picturesque small town of Knightdale, NC, it can mean withdrawing from all the activities that make retirement life so rewarding and enjoyable. In this guide, we'll explore what word loss means for seniors, how to spot the symptoms, and what help is available.
The most common reason seniors struggle to recall words is due to age-related brain changes.
When our brains age, processing speed drops. It takes longer for our brains to retrieve the word we want and concentrate on finding the right one. We also suffer from fewer brain connections, as these links begin to decline.
In addition, seniors are more likely to experience memory loss, making it harder to remember certain words. This can be age-related memory loss or a more formal and severe diagnosis, like Alzheimer's or dementia. Other age-related health conditions, such as brain damage after a stroke, can also make it harder to remember certain words.
Sometimes, word loss is due to physical factors beyond the brain, such as medication, tiredness, or hearing loss. Given the multiple causes, a professional diagnosis is essential if seniors struggle to recall words.
We all have days when we struggle to recall a word. So, how do you know when the issue is more serious and persistent? Here are some of the symptoms to watch for:
It can be frustrating and even isolating to struggle with word recall. If you are having issues when talking to people, keep a diary of the problems and make sure you seek professional support via your healthcare provider for early dementia signs.
If you have a loved one who tends to forget words, it's essential to understand how it feels from their perspective and the profound impact it can have on a person's well-being.
Some seniors may develop a strong sense of embarrassment when they struggle to remember words, especially if they have always taken pride in being articulate and an engaging conversationalist. Over time, it can lead them to become frustrated, and some may even begin to withdraw from their favorite social circles.
Loss of words can also cause friction and misunderstanding between friends and family, which can impact relationships.
It could create undue stress, and seniors might worry about whether their conversations have been misinterpreted. Over time, some seniors might even develop anxiety when having conversations, fearful of using the wrong word or forgetting the right one.
If you notice a loved one struggling with their communication, you probably want to reach out to help. But there is a right and wrong way to go about it. Here are some tips:
While it can be hard listening to a conversation when a loved one forgets words, never forget that it is equally challenging, frustrating, and embarrassing for them.
If you are concerned about the symptoms and feel they need addressing by a healthcare professional, choose a quiet time to talk to your loved one about your observations and offer to attend an appointment with them.
One of the most reassuring steps you can take if you or a loved one has experienced word loss is to look for some professional support. In a senior living community, older people have access to trained staff who will have ample experience in conditions such as word difficulty and memory loss.
In a senior living community, residents have a safe space where they can relax without having to worry about memory problems.
In addition, residents can join group activities, which provide safe spaces for seniors to socialize without feeling embarrassed about memory issues. It's a chance to practice communication daily with a team of supportive individuals familiar with the condition.
Seniors benefit from access to activities and therapies where communication skills are strengthened. It can help older people develop strategies for when they are experiencing difficulties remembering a specific word.
One of the most effective options is a language therapy session. These are run by specialists who will provide specific exercises to strengthen speaking skills.
Other activities that support language development include book groups and board games like Scrabble. Even a quiet afternoon spent completing a crossword puzzle can be an effective way to boost memory and word recall.
If you are worried about word loss, always seek the help of a healthcare professional rather than managing the condition on your own. Doctors can often rule out other reasons for language loss, such as a problem with a current medication.
Healthcare professionals are also the best and fastest route to a referral that will get you support from a specialist language therapist. They may even recommend some counseling to help you come to terms with memory loss.
Don't despair if you are experiencing word-finding difficulty as you enter your senior years. Help is available, and the first step is to seek professional support and diagnosis.
At TerraBella Knightdale, our memory care package provides a caring, safe, and tranquil setting for seniors experiencing cognitive loss, providing peace of mind to seniors and their loved ones. Being in a compassionate environment can make a huge difference, so take some time to book a tour and discover what we offer.