Surprising Sign Could Reveal Cognitive Decline

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 26, 2024

Ever find yourself with a clear image in your head but grasping for the actual word to describe it?

If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, too—with the word remaining stubbornly just out of reach, leaving me wondering if this brain burp could be the first sign of cognitive decline.

But a fascinating new study suggests we’re focusing on the wrong thing.

When it comes to memory issues, it’s not occasional word-finding troubles we should focus on…

Instead, it’s about another aspect of speech entirely.

The results of a new study are changing how we think about aging and cognition.

The groundbreaking study published in the journal Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition uncovered a surprising truth about cognitive health in aging.

When it comes to cognitive health, the overall speed of your speech is likely far more important than occasional word-finding struggles.

Executive function—your ability to manage conflicting information and stay focused—is directly linked to how quickly you can name pictures and your overall speaking rate.

However, surprisingly, the frequency and duration of pauses to find those right words DIDN’T correlate with cognitive decline.

Instead, a general slowing down in speech, apart from these pauses, emerged as a more significant indicator of changes in brain health.

But what triggers those tip-of-the-tongue moments in the first place?

Scientists think it might be because our brains are like overstuffed filing cabinets. As we age, we accumulate more and more information.

Think about it. If you’d only seen one movie in your life, you’d remember every detail. But after thousands of films? Good luck recalling specifics about just one (or even remembering if you saw the movie!).

The same principle applies to words. Your brain has a vast database to search through, which can slow down the retrieval process.

So, what can you do with this information?

• Don’t panic over occasional word-finding difficulties. They’re common and not necessarily a sign of cognitive decline.
• Pay attention to your overall speech speed. However, remember that you might not be the best judge of this in yourself, and a loved one might provide a more accurate assessment.
• Focus on maintaining good overall brain health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and staying mentally active all support better brain health.

So, the next time you find yourself grasping for a word, take a deep breath. Your cognitive health isn’t defined by these minor verbal stumbles.

P.S. Nature’s brilliant secret for better brain health.

Source:

Wei, H. T., Kulzhabayeva, D., Erceg, L., Robin, J., Hu, Y. Z., Chignell, M., & Meltzer, J. A. (2024). Cognitive components of aging-related increase in word-finding difficulty. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition, 1–32. doi. org / 10.1080/13825585.2024.2315774

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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