Precise Verbal Habit Could Be an Early Sign of Dementia

Dementia is often associated with elders, such as those exceeding the age of 65 years old. While the claim is not far from the truth, younger people can also be affected by the loss of thinking abilities. Early-onset of dementia can even start if a person is 30 years of age.

The good news is that if the patient takes treatment and receives an early diagnosis, the progression of the disease can be slowed down, and mental function can be maintained. But the first signs of some forms of dementia installing are represented by how the person communicates, says a new study.

Substituting the wrong word for things could be a sign of dementia

Perhaps everyone has trouble once in a while when trying to remember the right word. But if this becomes a habit, you might need to go see a doctor. Maree Farrow, PhD, and a cognitive neuroscientist with the Wicking Dementia Research and Education Centre from the University of Tasmania raises the alarm about such type of behaviour while speaking for Australia’s ABC News. The scientist says that those who suffer from dementia might say something like “get the apples” when they actually want to say “get the potatoes”.

Farrow explained, as quoted by BestLifeOnline.com:

They’re not so much making it up, it’s just that when they’re trying to retrieve the word, the wrong word comes out.

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. This terrible condition currently affects roughly 6.2 million Americans who are at least 65 years old, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Women generally have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, which is a leading cause of death.

Scientists are not certain what causes Alzheimer’s disease, but the main culprit is represented by the abnormal build-up of proteins in brain cells and around them.