Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and changes the way a person thinks, remembers, and communicates. One of the things that can happen as dementia progresses is that people may start to forget the meaning of words, especially when it comes to medical terms or even everyday language. This is not just about forgetting a word here and there, but about losing the ability to understand what words mean, which can make conversations and daily life much harder [1].
When someone has dementia, their brain cells are damaged and this damage makes it harder for them to process information. Memory loss is one of the most well-known symptoms, but problems with language are also very common. People with dementia may struggle to find the right words when they speak, or they might use words in the wrong way. Sometimes, they might not understand what others are saying, even if the words are simple [2].
For example, a person with dementia might not remember what a doctor means by the word “diabetes” or “medication.” They might hear the word but not understand what it refers to. This can make it difficult for them to follow medical advice or take their medicine correctly. They might also forget the names of common objects, like “spoon” or “chair,” and use strange words instead, or just point and gesture [1].
This problem with understanding words is called aphasia. Aphasia is a condition that affects a person’s ability to understand, speak, read, and write language. It is often seen in people with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia, but it can also happen in other types of dementia like frontotemporal dementia [2]. When aphasia is present, a person might pause a lot when speaking, say “I don’t know” often, or have trouble putting sentences together. They might also mix up words or use words that don’t make sense in the context of the conversation [2].
As dementia gets worse, these language problems can become more severe. A person might not be able to follow a conversation at all, or they might not understand simple instructions. They might also have trouble reading or writing, which can make it hard for them to read signs, letters, or even the labels on medicine bottles [3].
It is important to know that these changes are not just because the person is getting older. Normal aging can cause some forgetfulness, like forgetting a name or where you put your keys, but it does not cause the kind of language problems that are seen in dementia. When language problems start to interfere with daily life, it is a sign that something more serious might be going on [3].
Doctors and researchers have found that these language problems are linked to changes in specific parts of the brain. The areas that control language, memory, and understanding are affected by the damage caused by dementia. This is why people with dementia may forget the meaning of words, especially when those words are complex or related to medical topics [1].
Caregivers and family members often notice these changes before the person with dementia does. They might see that their loved one is having trouble following conversations, using the wrong words, or not understanding what is being said. Sometimes, the person with dementia might not realize that they are having these problems, which can make it harder to get help [5].
It is also important to remember that not everyone with dementia will have the same symptoms. Some people might have more trouble with memory, while others might have more trouble with language or behavior. The type and severity of symptoms can depend on the type of dementia and how far it has progressed [1].
In some cases, people with dementia might still be able to use words, but they might not understand what those words mean. For example, they might say the word “hospital” but not know what a hospital is or why they need to go there. This can be confusing and frustrating for both the person with dementia and those around them [2].
There are ways to help people with dementia who are having trouble with language. Speech therapy can sometimes help, and using simple words and short sentences can make communication easier. It is also helpful to be patient and give the person time to respond. Sometimes, using pictures or gestures can help them understand what is being said [2].
In summary, dementia can make people forget the meaning of words, especially when it comes to medical terms or complex language. This is because the brain damage caused by dementia affects the areas that control language and understanding. These problems can make daily life much harder, but there are ways to help and support people with dementia as they face these challenges [1][2][3][5].
Sources
[1] Dementia – Wikipedia
[2] What are the early signs of dementia and when should you worry? – Alzheimer’s Research UK
[3] Understanding Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s Disease – Grove Neurology
[5] Perceived Choice to Provide Care and Recognition of Dementia – PMC
