Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and changes the way a person thinks, feels, and behaves. One of the things that can happen as dementia progresses is changes in how a person talks. Sometimes, people with dementia may talk a lot, repeat themselves, or talk about things that do not make sense. This can be confusing for family members and caregivers, especially if the person starts talking uncontrollably when certain topics come up, like medical issues or health problems.
When someone has dementia, their brain is not working the way it used to. The parts of the brain that help with memory, language, and understanding are damaged. This means that the person may struggle to find the right words, understand what others are saying, or keep track of conversations. Sometimes, they may talk more than usual, especially if they are feeling anxious, confused, or overwhelmed [1]. This can look like uncontrollable talking, where the person keeps repeating the same thing, talks about topics that are not related to the conversation, or talks about medical issues even when they are not relevant.
One reason why a person with dementia might talk uncontrollably about medical topics is because they are worried or anxious. Dementia can make people feel scared or confused, especially if they do not understand what is happening to them or their body. If someone hears a word or phrase related to health, like doctor, hospital, or medicine, it might trigger their anxiety and cause them to start talking about medical things. This is not because they are trying to be difficult, but because their brain is reacting to something that feels important or scary to them [3].
Another reason for uncontrollable talking is that people with dementia may have trouble with their memory. They might forget that they have already talked about something, so they keep repeating the same story or question. This is very common in dementia and is not something the person can control. Sometimes, they may talk about medical issues because they are trying to make sense of their own health or because they are worried about getting sick. If they have had a recent illness or hospital visit, this can stay on their mind and come up in conversation often [5].
Dementia can also cause changes in a person’s personality and mood. Some people become more talkative, while others become quieter. If someone is feeling restless or agitated, they might talk more as a way to express their feelings. Agitation is a common symptom of dementia and can be triggered by many things, including noise, confusion, pain, or changes in routine. When a person is agitated, they might talk a lot, repeat themselves, or talk about things that seem out of place, like medical topics [4].
Sometimes, uncontrollable talking is linked to a specific type of dementia. For example, frontotemporal dementia can cause noticeable changes in behavior and personality, including talking more than usual or saying things that are socially inappropriate. This type of dementia affects the parts of the brain that control language and social behavior, so the person may not realize that their talking is excessive or out of context [1].
It is also important to know that medical issues can make dementia symptoms worse. If a person with dementia has an infection, is in pain, or is not sleeping well, they might talk more or become more agitated. Urinary tract infections, for example, are common in older adults and can cause confusion, restlessness, and changes in behavior, including uncontrollable talking. If someone suddenly starts talking a lot or seems more confused, it is important to check if there is a medical problem that needs to be treated [3].
Caregivers and family members can help by staying calm and patient when a person with dementia talks uncontrollably. It is not helpful to argue or try to stop the person from talking, as this can make them more upset. Instead, it is better to listen, acknowledge their feelings, and gently redirect the conversation if possible. Sometimes, changing the environment, reducing noise, or offering a distraction can help calm the person and reduce the talking [2].
If uncontrollable talking is a new or worsening symptom, it is a good idea to talk to a doctor. The doctor can check for medical problems, review medications, and make sure there is nothing else going on that could be causing the behavior. Sometimes, simple changes like treating an infection, adjusting medication, or improving sleep can make a big difference in how much a person talks or how agitated they feel [8].
In some cases, uncontrollable talking can be a sign of other symptoms, like hallucinations or delusions. People with dementia may see or hear things that are not there, or believe things that are not true. This can lead to talking about things that seem strange or unrelated to the situation. If this happens, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional to find out what is causing the behavior and how best to help the person [8].
Overall, uncontrollable talking in dementia is a common symptom that can be caused by many different factors, including anxiety, confusion, memory problems, agitation, and medical issues. It is not something the person can control, and it is important to respond with kindness and understanding. By paying attention to the person’s needs, checking for medical problems, and creating a calm environment, caregivers can help reduce the talking and make life easier for everyone involved.
[1] Alzheimer’s Research UK. Spotting early signs that could be dementia when should you worry?
[2] Optoceutics. 3 Types Of Behavioral Triggers Alzheimer’s Dementia Disease
[3] Dementia Australia. Agitation and aggression
[4] Alzheimer’s Society. Restlessness and agitation in dementia
[5] Women’s Health Magazine. Dementia doctors reveal the 6 symptoms they would never ignore
[8] PsychDB. Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
