What Causes Word Finding Difficulty?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Primary word-finding difficulty may occur as an isolated language disturbance or may occur as part of a more extensive cognitive or behavioural syndrome. Secondary word-finding difficulty occurs when a deficit within another cognitive domain interferes with the function of a more or less intact language system.

What does it mean when you can’t think of words?

Aphasia is a communication disorder that makes it hard to use words. It can affect your speech, writing, and ability to understand language. Aphasia results from damage or injury to language parts of the brain. It’s more common in older adults, particularly those who have had a stroke.

Why do I have a hard time thinking of words?

PPA is caused by degeneration in the parts of the brain that are responsible for speech and language. PPA begins very gradually and initially is experienced as difficulty thinking of common words while speaking or writing. PPA progressively worsens to the point where verbal communication by any means is very difficult.

Why am I suddenly stumbling over my words?

Anxiety , especially if it crops up when you’re in front of a lot of people, can lead to dry mouth, stumbling over your words, and more troubles that can get in the way of speaking. It’s OK to be nervous. Don’t worry so much about being perfect. Taking that pressure off of yourself might get your words flowing again.

Why do I have a hard time speaking?

Dysarthria means difficulty speaking. It can be caused by brain damage or by brain changes occurring in some conditions affecting the nervous system, or related to ageing. It can affect people of all ages. If dysarthria occurs suddenly, call 999, it may be being caused by a stroke.

How do you treat word finding difficulties?

  1. Delay. Just give it a second or two. ...
  2. Describe. Give the listener information about what the thing looks like or does. ...
  3. Association. See if you can think of something related. ...
  4. Synonyms. Think of a word that means the same or something similar. ...
  5. First Letter. ...
  6. Gesture. ...
  7. Draw. ...
  8. Look it Up.

What is it called when you mix up words when speaking?

A ‘spoonerism ‘ is when a speaker accidentally mixes up the initial sounds or letters of two words in a phrase. The result is usually humorous.

Why can’t I speak properly all of a sudden?

If you experience a sudden onset of impaired speech, seek medical attention right away . It might be a sign of a potentially life-threatening condition, such as a stroke. If you develop impaired speech more gradually, make an appointment with your doctor. It may be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Why can’t I think of words lately?

PPA is caused by degeneration in the parts of the brain that are responsible for speech and language. PPA begins very gradually and initially is experienced as difficulty thinking of common words while speaking or writing. PPA progressively worsens to the point where verbal communication by any means is very difficult.

Why am I suddenly forgetting spelling?

Peripheral agraphia . Peripheral agraphia refers to a loss of writing abilities. While it’s caused by damage to the brain, it can mistakenly appear to be associated with motor function or visual perception. It involves the loss of the cognitive ability to select and connect letters to form words.

What is stumbling over words?

If you stumble over your words, you speak in a stuttering confused manner . Politicians make so many public decisions that they’re bound to stumble — make a mistake — occasionally.

What are symptoms of dysarthria?

  • slurred, nasal sounding or breathy speech.
  • a strained and hoarse voice.
  • very loud or quiet speech.
  • problems speaking in a regular rhythm, with frequent hesitations.
  • gurgly or monotone speech.
  • difficulty with tongue and lip movements.
  • difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), which may lead to constant drooling.

Why do I speak faster than I think?

1. Some people talk fast because they’re thinking “a mile a minute” and are trying to keep up with their own thoughts . This is particularly true with many extroverts, who tend to “think as they speak” rather than “think before they speak.”

Can dysarthria go away?

Depending on the cause of dysarthria, symptoms may improve, stay the same, or get worse slowly or quickly. People with ALS eventually lose the ability to speak. Some people with Parkinson disease or multiple sclerosis lose the ability to speak. Dysarthria caused by medicines or poorly fitting dentures can be reversed .

Can anxiety make you slur your words?

Anxiety disorders often cause a wide variety of chronic symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and more. For some people, anxiety can even affect the way they speak, leading to speech that is faster, slower, or possibly even slurred .

How can I speak better and clear?

  1. Avoid skipping words. ...
  2. Speak long phrases or full sentences. ...
  3. Make sure you pronounce even small words like “a” and “the.” If, like most people, you normally pronounce the word “a” as “uh,” keep doing so. ...
  4. Avoid running words together.
James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.