Why Am I Suddenly Forgetting Words? Normal Aging vs. Communication Issues
You’re in the middle of a conversation, and you know exactly what you want to say, but then all of a sudden…the word is gone. Many people know that feeling.
Maybe it's the name of a restaurant that you visited last week, or maybe it's the name of a familiar person, an object, or even a word that you use all the time. You might pause, try a few alternative words, and eventually say, “it's on the tip of my tongue.”
For many adults, occasional word-finding difficulty can be a normal part of getting older, but when forgetting words happens more regularly or begins to interfere with everyday communication, it's worth seeking guidance from a specialist. Let’s break down the difference between normal aging and a communication issue that may benefit from professional support.
Is Forgetting Words a Normal Part of Aging?
Having trouble finding the right word can be common as we age if it happens occasionally, and you may also notice that as you age, you:
- Need a little longer to remember someone’s name
- Know what you want to say but have problems retrieving the word
- Occasionally lose your train of thought
- Sometimes forget where you put something
- Remember information much later than when you tried to think of it
These occasional lapses do not automatically mean that something is wrong, but if it happens a lot and affects your daily life, we recommend scheduling a call with us for a thorough evaluation.
When Could Forgetting Words Be a Communication Issue?
There is a difference between occasionally searching for a word and having persistent difficulty communicating your thoughts. For example, you might notice that you are:
- Frequently struggling to find familiar words
- Using a vague word such as “thing” instead of the word you mean
- Substituting an incorrect word for a familiar object
- Having difficulty following or participating in conversations
- Becoming frustrated because you cannot express yourself the way that you want to
- Avoiding conversations because speaking has become too difficult
There can be many possible causes for these changes. Difficulties with communication can be associated with conditions affecting language, cognition, or the brain, but they do not automatically mean that someone has a bigger issue like dementia. Regardless, when there is a noticeable change in communication, it's always worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than trying to diagnose the cause on your own.
When Should I Be Concerned About Forgetting Words?
Occasional word-finding difficulties are usually not a reason to panic; however, a noticeable or worsening change in your memory, language, or ability to communicate deserves attention, particularly when it starts to interfere with your everyday activities.
Consider talking with your doctor as well as a SLP if you notice that you are frequently:
- Forgetting words that you previously used easily
- Having trouble following conversations or expressing your thoughts
- Repeating yourself or asking the same questions
- Struggling with familiar tasks or routines
- Getting confused about familiar places, people, or situations
- Having communication difficulties that are becoming more frequent or frustrating
Remember that changes in communication can have many possible causes, and a healthcare professional can help determine whether further medical evaluation is appropriate, while a SLP can assess your communication skills and recommend strategies based on your needs.
If a change in speech or language happens suddenly, especially along with facial weakness, arm or leg weakness, confusion, trouble understanding speech, or difficulty speaking, seek emergency medical attention (call 911). Sudden communication changes can be a sign of a stroke and should not be attributed to normal aging.
How Can Speech Therapy Help with Word-Finding Difficulties?
A speech-language pathologist (SLP) does more than work with children on pronunciation issues. They help people of all ages with a variety of communication challenges, and this includes adults and seniors having mild problems with word-finding or bigger issues such as dementia.
SLPs provide thorough evaluations and, in these cases, may look at areas like:
- Word retrieval
- Naming familiar objects and people
- Understanding spoken language
- Expressing thoughts and ideas
- Conversation skills
- Memory and attention (as they relate to communication)
- Strategies for making communication easier
Speech therapy is not a replacement for a medical evaluation when memory or cognitive changes are occurring. Instead, an SLP can be part of a larger care team that helps identify communication challenges while developing practical strategies to make everyday conversations easier.
Virtual Speech Therapy for Adults
Attending speech therapy sessions in person can be challenging for many people, including adults who are experiencing changes in their communication. Virtual speech therapy allows you to meet with a licensed SLP from home. Great Speech is a leader in virtual speech therapy, and we match you with a licensed SLP who is best suited to your challenges and goals.
Forgetting a word every once in a while is frustrating, but it is not necessarily a sign of a serious problem. Normal aging can include occasional word-finding difficulty, while frequent or worsening communication changes should be looked into further.
If you’ve noticed that finding words and communicating is becoming harder than it used to be, schedule a free introductory call with us to discuss your needs and learn whether virtual speech therapy may be a good fit.
Our Speech Therapy services are also covered by most major insurance providers. Great Speech is proud to be in-network with leading insurance plans like Aetna, Cigna, Centivo, Wellcare, AllWell, Ambetter Health, Humana Military, Amerigroup, Optum & more!. Visit our insurance page to find out more.