Gaby
More than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia — a number that’s never been higher.
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, which causes declines in memory and thinking. One way to spot Alzheimer’s early is by noticing changes in speech. Trouble talking or finding words can point to a higher risk of developing the disease.
Researchers from Nottingham Trent University have identified five early symptoms of Alzheimer’s that shouldn’t be ignored.
Pauses, Hesitations, and Uncertainty
One key sign of Alzheimer’s is trouble recalling specific words, often showing up as frequent or long pauses. In those moments, a person may struggle to bring to mind a very familiar word.
Using Words Incorrectly
People with Alzheimer’s may substitute the word they want with something completely incorrect or only loosely related.
For example, instead of saying “dog,” they might say the name of another pet, like “cat.” Early in the disease, the substitution is more likely to be broader — for instance, saying “animal” instead of the specific word, as reported by Science Alert.
Discussing a Task Instead of Doing It
People with the disease often have trouble completing tasks. Instead of doing the task, they may talk about their feelings, express doubts, or reminisce about how they used to do it. They might say, “I’m not sure I can do this,” or “I used to do this better,” rather than starting the work.
Less Diverse Vocabulary
A subtler sign is shrinking vocabulary: relying on simpler language and a limited set of words. People often repeat the same verbs, nouns, and adjectives instead of drawing on a wider vocabulary.
Word-Finding Difficulties
Another early sign is trouble finding the right word. This especially affects naming items in specific categories, like foods or body parts. As the disease advances, people may also struggle to think of words that start with a particular letter.
***
Age is the main risk factor for Alzheimer’s. After 65, the chance of developing the disease roughly doubles every five years.
Still, about one in twenty people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s is under 65 — a condition known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Doctors consider occasional forgetfulness normal, but a steady decline in memory and speech, or repeated incorrect word usage, can be early warning signs. Detecting these changes early is especially important for people at higher risk, such as those with Down syndrome.
