Understanding Word Finding Challenges in Older Adults
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Have you ever gone to say something, but can't think of one particular word? It feels like it's floating just out of your brain's reach, and it can be frustrating, especially if you're trying to convey something important in a conversation.
This challenge with word finding is actually quite common; it's called the tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon. It's universal, and a study by Ouyang et al. published in Frontiers found that while it happens to young adults only once a week, it happens to older adults almost daily.
As you can see, there may be a fine line between normal and abnormal word finding challenges. If you're concerned about your beloved senior in Visalia, CA, then read on to find out more about the subject.
What's Normal?
Your language skills in aging may not be as good as before, but that's pretty normal. This is because our brains process information a little more slowly as the years go by.
Occasional tip-of-the-tongue moments are fine, such as forgetting a specific word or name now and then. It's a green flag if your senior recalls it later (this can happen within minutes or hours).
Slower recall and intact understanding are okay too. It may take an older adult longer to find the right word, but their comprehension and ability to carry on a conversation remain strong.
There should also be no impact on their daily life. Even if their word recall is slower, it shouldn't prevent your loved one from:
- Maintaining friendships
- Engaging in hobbies
- Managing day-to-day responsibilities
Another good sign is if they can find the word after they get hints or context. For example, they may find the word "umbrella" after hearing the word "rain."
Although these moments can be frustrating for seniors, they're generally a natural part of aging.
What's Not Normal?
Some other word finding difficulties may be signs of early cognitive decline or conditions such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. For instance, smoking can cause memory loss, and those with dementia may develop Alzheimer's language challenges.
A red flag to watch out for is frequent word substitutions. A senior may replace the correct word with an unrelated one, or they may repeatedly use vague terms like "thing" or "stuff." They might also forget the names of:
- Close friends
- Family members
- Everyday items
In addition, they may struggle to follow or participate in conversations. They might lose track of the topic, and then flounder to keep up. Because of this frustration and/or embarrassment, they may start avoiding social situations.
Lastly, you might see your loved one experience other memory or thinking issues. For example, they might:
- Forget appointments
- Misplace items frequently
- Get lost in familiar places
How Seniors Can Support Communication Skills
Just because your beloved senior is having trouble finding their words doesn't necessarily mean it has to stay that way. There are steps they can take to strengthen their language skills, which can keep conversations flowing more smoothly.
One of our best senior communication tips is to practice brain stimulation activities. They're excellent for cognitive health in seniors, and include:
- Crossword puzzles
- Word games
- Storytelling exercises
They should also use descriptive language if they can't think of an exact word. For instance, they can say, "the thing that tells time on your wrist" to indicate a watch. This can help keep communication open.
While it may feel uncomfortable to do so, your loved one should stay socially engaged. When they talk regularly with family and friends, this can help maintain conversational rhythm and confidence.
They shouldn't forget to pause and breathe either. Rushing can make them feel even more flustered, so they should give themselves a moment. This can reduce stress and help the word surface.
Lastly, they need to take good care of themselves for healthy aging. For good brain health and better recall, they need exercise, quality sleep, and proper hydration.
How Loved Ones Can Help Seniors Communicate Better
It's mainly up to your loved one to improve their communication skills, but there are still things you can do to help them out.
The most important thing is to be patient and give time. Don't rush to finish every sentence for your beloved senior, unless they ask for help. Instead, give them a little silence, or offer gentle prompts or hints, like the first letter or a related phrase.
Keep the conversations supportive too. Focus on the content, rather than correcting every word mistake. If the word isn't coming, then encourage your loved one to gesture, point, or describe what they meant. What's essential is providing a supportive atmosphere that helps each anxiety and encourages participation.
You should also reduce distractions while talking. Background noise or multiple people talking at once can make word recall harder. The goal is calm and focused conversations.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
Word finding problems may become persistent or start interfering with everyday life. If this is happening to your beloved senior, then it's possible they're dealing with something like dementia and speech issues.
In any case, it's best to seek professional support. A doctor, neurologist, or speech-language therapist can:
- Assess whether the difficulties are age-related or linked to a medical condition
- Offer memory and language exercises that are tailored to your loved one
- Suggest lifestyle changes or a therapist who can support brain health
Watch Out for Problems With Word Finding in Your Senior
Problems with word finding can happen occasionally for seniors, or even daily in some cases. You'll want to keep an eye out for the frequency and any other troublesome signs.
While both you and your loved one can do things to support communication skills, there may be bigger issues at play that need professional help. In that case, moving them into memory care may be a smart move, as they'll receive round-the-clock assistance from well-trained and compassionate staff members.
Want to learn more about memory care in Visalia, CA? Then get in touch with us today. Marbella Visalia offers regular housekeeping and laundry services for our residents to help reduce stress and improve their quality of life.