As we age, it’s natural for certain cognitive functions to change, including language skills such as pronunciation. Recent research suggests that subtle changes in pronunciation could potentially serve as early indicators of cognitive decline, including dementia.

Let’s explore this intriguing connection and highlight five words that individuals may commonly mispronounce before the onset of dementia.

1. “Apraxia” – Apraxia is a neurological condition characterized by difficulty with voluntary movements, including speech articulation. Individuals with apraxia may struggle to pronounce words correctly due to disruptions in motor planning and coordination. While mispronunciation of this term may not necessarily indicate dementia, it could be a red flag for underlying neurological changes.
2. “Anomia” – Anomia refers to difficulty finding the right words or names during conversation, a common symptom of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease. Individuals experiencing anomia may struggle to recall familiar words or names, leading to pauses or circumlocutions in speech. Paying attention to instances of anomia can provide valuable insights into cognitive health.
3. “Neologism” – Neologism refers to the creation of new or nonsensical words, often observed in individuals with certain types of dementia, such as frontotemporal dementia. While occasional linguistic creativity is normal, frequent use of neologisms or invented words may signal cognitive impairment and warrant further evaluation.
4. “Dysarthria” – Dysarthria is a speech disorder characterized by slurred or unclear speech due to weakness or impairment of the muscles involved in speech production. While dysarthria can result from various underlying conditions, including stroke or neurological disorders, it may also manifest as a symptom of progressive cognitive decline.
5. “Paraphasia” – Paraphasia refers to the substitution of one word for another, often resulting in nonsensical or unintentionally humorous speech errors. While paraphasia can occur in individuals with language disorders or aphasia, it may also be observed in the early stages of dementia as language processing abilities become compromised.

While occasional mispronunciations or speech errors are common and may not necessarily indicate cognitive decline, repeated or persistent difficulties with pronunciation and language use should prompt further evaluation by a healthcare professional. Early detection and intervention are vital for optimizing outcomes and managing cognitive health effectively.