When someone forgets how to read, it means they have lost the ability to recognize and understand written language, a skill that is usually deeply ingrained and automatic. This can happen gradually or suddenly, often due to brain injury, neurological diseases like dementia or stroke, or conditions that affect memory and cognition. The experience is profoundly disorienting because reading is a fundamental way we interact with the world—through books, signs, instructions, and digital screens.
At first, the person might struggle with recognizing letters or words they once knew well. They may look at text and see only meaningless shapes or symbols instead of coherent language. This is different from simply forgetting a word’s meaning; it’s a breakdown in the brain’s ability to process written language itself. For example, someone might see the word “cat” but not be able to connect those letters to the concept of a cat or even to the sounds that make up the word.
This loss is often linked to damage in specific brain areas responsible for language and reading, such as the left hemisphere’s angular gyrus and surrounding regions. These areas help translate visual symbols (letters) into sounds and meanings. When these regions are impaired, the brain cannot perform this translation, leading to a condition called alexia or acquired dyslexia.
The impact on daily life is significant. Reading is essential for managing everyday tasks—understanding medication instructions, reading signs, handling money, or simply enjoying a book or news article. Without this ability, a person may feel isolated and frustrated. They might rely heavily on others for information or use alternative methods like audio books or voice assistants.
In many cases, the loss of reading ability is part of a broader cognitive decline. For example, in dementia, people often experience memory loss, confusion, and difficulty with language and problem-solving. As the disease progresses, they may forget how to read and write, along with other skills. Early on, they might forget words or have trouble following written instructions. Later, they may not recognize familiar letters or words at all.
Sometimes, the loss of reading ability is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty speaking, trouble understanding spoken language, or problems with attention and memory. These symptoms reflect the brain’s overall struggle to process and communicate information.
Relearning to read or adapting to this loss can be challenging but not impossible. Rehabilitation often involves speech and language therapy, where therapists use exercises to retrain the brain to recognize letters and words. Technology can also help, with tools that read text aloud or convert speech to text. Support from family and caregivers is crucial to help the person maintain independence and quality of life.
Emotionally, losing the ability to read can cause anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss of identity. Reading is not just a skill but a gateway to knowledge, culture, and connection. Losing it can feel like losing a part of oneself.
In some cases, the loss is temporary, such as after a stroke or brain injury, where recovery is possible with time and therapy. In others, like progressive neurological diseases, the decline may continue, requiring ongoing adjustments and support.
Overall, forgetting how to read is a complex neurological and psychological event that disrupts communication, independence, and daily functioning. It highlights how deeply intertwined reading is with brain health and cognitive abilities, and how vulnerable these skills can be to brain changes.
