Mispronunciations and Dementia: 5 Common Words to Watch Out For

Language is a complex construct of the human brain. As people age, it’s natural for certain linguistic abilities to wane. However, dementia brings about a distinct set of challenges when it comes to communication. One often overlooked sign of early dementia can be consistent mispronunciation of common words. Let’s dive into five such words often mispronounced before the onset of more significant dementia symptoms.

1. February

While many folks gloss over the first ‘r’ turning it into “Feb-yoo-ary”, consistent and drastic mispronunciations of such common words can be a subtle sign of cognitive changes.

2. Jewelry

Often mispronounced as “jool-ery” or other variations, failing to correctly pronounce ‘jewelry’ on a consistent basis, especially if previously pronounced correctly, might be a point of concern.

3. Athlete

“Ath-a-lete” or similar distortions might be an indicator of linguistic struggles stemming from early-stage dementia.

4. Realator

While many people mistakenly add an extra “a”, transforming ‘realtor’ to “real-a-tor”, consistent errors in speech and forgetting the correct pronunciation can be alarming.

5. Prescription

If “per-scription” or other such variations become a norm, it might be time to consult a healthcare professional.

Why Mispronunciations Matter

Mispronunciations alone don’t necessarily signal dementia. Everyone has slip-ups, regional dialects, or long-held mispronunciations. However, when there’s a noticeable shift in someone’s language abilities, especially in familiar territory, it’s essential to be observant.

Useful Resources:

• Alzheimer’s Association – A comprehensive resource for understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia.
• NCBI – Research on the linguistic markers of Alzheimer’s disease.

In conclusion, while these five words can be stumbling blocks for many, consistent and increasing linguistic challenges can be early signs of dementia. Always keep communication open with loved ones, and if concerns arise, seek professional guidance.