It Could Be A Warning Sign Of Dementia If You Start Talking Like This
According to Alzheimer's Disease International, a new person is diagnosed with dementia every 3 seconds. As of 2020, 55 million people around the world have the condition, and data shows that twice as many people are diagnosed every 20 years. It's estimated that 78 million people will have dementia by 2030. Low and middle-income countries are impacted the most, as 60% of people with dementia live in these areas. Currently, China, India, South Asia, and the west Pacific rank as having the fastest-growing cases of dementia in their elderly population.
Dementia primarily impacts senior citizens, but there are signs that indicate it can occur before the age of 65. As the National Institute on Aging (NIA) defines it as a loss of cognitive function, symptoms of dementia can include not being able to think clearly, remember, or reason. In some cases, there is also a lack of emotional control as well as personality changes.
How dementia impacts your speech
The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says it is a sign of dementia if you start "using unusual words to refer to familiar objects." A decline in effective communication is common for several types of dementia, including Alzheimer's. Another indicator is describing the object as opposed to simply naming it, notes Best Life. Over time, the condition progresses to the point that one's abilities to communicate, understand difficult ideas, read, and write become hindered.
In some situations, serious memory problems brought on by stress, anxiety, depression, or delirium can resemble dementia. These can also be side effects of some medications. A proper diagnosis is the only way to ensure if someone actually has dementia. To do this, doctors may perform a variety of tests and procedures such as cognitive and neurological assessments, brain scans, psychiatric evaluations, genetic tests, and blood work.
Though Mayo Clinic says dementia typically can't be cured, catching it as early as possible is key for receiving treatment that can improve symptoms. Cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine, and other medications may be prescribed along with occupational therapy, changing the environment of the home, and simplifying tasks.