Symptom 5. New Problems with Words in Speaking or Writing: A Struggle to Express
Effective communication forms the crux of our interactions, whether verbal or written. Yet, another symptom of aMCI is a newfound struggle with words, presenting as difficulty recalling the right word or forgetting straightforward words, which can make conversations or writing tasks particularly frustrating.
This isn’t about the occasional slip-of-the-tongue or a momentary loss for words. Instead, individuals with aMCI may find themselves trapped in awkward pauses during conversations as they grapple with memory lapses for simple words or phrases. Writing tasks may pose a similar challenge, with forgotten spellings or sentence structures turning an otherwise simple task into an uphill battle.
Interestingly, studies show that this symptom may stem from the dysfunction in the left superior temporal gyrus, a brain region implicated in language comprehension. This could potentially explain why individuals with aMCI struggle with language tasks that they previously performed with ease.
Indeed, this struggle with words isn’t just about the occasional fumble, which is common even in healthy individuals. Instead, this refers to a noticeable and persistent difficulty with language, enough to disrupt their normal communication. This ongoing struggle to express oneself verbally or in writing could be a sign of aMCI, and therefore warrants attention. (5)
