If You Notice This When Talking, You May Have Dementia — Eat This Not That

By Ghuman

Introduction

If you or a loved one are experiencing memory loss, confusion, or difficulty with communication, it may be a sign of dementia. Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, remember, and communicate. While there is no cure for dementia, there are ways to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. One way to do this is to pay attention to what you eat. Eating the right foods can help improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing dementia. In this article, we will discuss the foods you should eat if you notice signs of dementia when talking, as well as the foods you should avoid.

If You Notice This When Talking, You May Have Dementia — Eat This Not That

Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, remember, and reason. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and head trauma. While dementia is not a normal part of aging, it is more common in older adults. If you notice any of the following signs when talking, it may be a sign of dementia.

1. Difficulty Finding Words

One of the most common signs of dementia is difficulty finding the right words when speaking. This can be especially noticeable when talking about topics that require more complex language. If you find yourself struggling to find the right words or having to pause frequently to search for them, it may be a sign of dementia.

2. Repetition

Another common sign of dementia is repeating yourself or asking the same questions over and over again. This can be especially noticeable when talking to someone who is familiar with the topic. If you find yourself repeating yourself or asking the same questions multiple times, it may be a sign of dementia.

3. Difficulty Following Conversations

If you find yourself having difficulty following conversations or understanding what people are saying, it may be a sign of dementia. This can be especially noticeable when talking to someone who is unfamiliar with the topic. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with conversations or having difficulty understanding what people are saying, it may be a sign of dementia.

4. Memory Loss

Memory loss is another common sign of dementia. If you find yourself forgetting things that you should know or having difficulty recalling information, it may be a sign of dementia. This can be especially noticeable when talking about topics that require more complex language or remembering details from conversations.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you notice any of these signs when talking, it is important to talk to your doctor. Dementia is a progressive disorder, so it is important to get a diagnosis as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of the symptoms and provide treatment options to help slow the progression of the disease.

The progressive brain disorder known as dementia affects several important areas of the brain, which can cause problems with a number of crucial functions. One of them is speech. If you or your loved ones notice these five things about how you’re speaking, it might be an indicator of dementia. Here’s what they are, and what to do about them. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.

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A common early sign of dementia is the impaired ability to communicate, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A person with dementia might have trouble finding the right words or finishing sentences. They might use substitutes or talk around words they’re unable to remember. 

older man with dementia talking to doctor
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“Struggling to communicate thoughts or feelings is an early sign of dementia,” says Chrissy Moser, a certified dementia care specialist in Naples, Florida. “A person living with dementia may have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings.” Says the Alzheimer’s Society: “People with dementia often experience changes in their emotional responses. They may have less control over their feelings and how they express them. For example, someone may be irritable, or prone to rapid mood changes or overreacting to things. They may also appear unusually uninterested in things or distant.”

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“A person living with dementia may have difficulty carrying on a conversation with others,” says Moser. “Forgetting names of people, places and things in a conversation also happens frequently.” This can lead to an inability to follow conversations, which may result in a person with dementia becoming more socially withdrawn. 

Senior Hispanic Man Suffering With Dementia Trying To Dress
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“Individuals affected by dementia are very likely to show repetitive behavior,” says Dr. Mark Davis, a physician with Pacific Analytics. “This includes asking or answering the same question several times, repeating their instructions and talking about the same incident multiple times.”

An old man touches his head. Headache. Alzheimer's disease
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“This is where false memories are created, but without the intention to deceive,” says Dr. Holly Schiff, a licensed clinical psychologist in Greenwich, Connecticut. “The individual is not able to recognize that what they are saying is fabricated, and they sincerely believe what they are saying is accurate and genuine. Confabulation is typically a coping response to the cognitive changes one is experiencing.”

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“Memory problems and forgetfulness don’t automatically mean you have dementia,” says Schiff. “These are normal parts of aging and can be caused by other factors, but you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms. If you have any of the symptoms associated with dementia, and they are not improving, it’s important to see your doctor so they can rule out other causes for your symptoms and determine whether it is dementia or another cognitive problem. With early diagnosis and treatment, you can slow the progression of dementia and maintain your mental function.”

And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.

Michael Martin

Michael Martin is a New York City-based writer and editor whose health and lifestyle content has also been published on Beachbody and Openfit. A contributing writer for Eat This, Not That!, he has also been published in New York, Architectural Digest, Interview, and many others. Read more