Aging affects us all differently, and minor slips in speech or word choice can seem like normal forgetfulness.
But for some, these could be early signs of a rare and misunderstood condition known as Primary Progressive Aphasia — a form of dementia that targets language first, not memory.
Trouble Finding the Right Words
The first symptom is often difficulty recalling simple words. A person may stop mid-sentence, struggle to finish a thought, or rely on vague descriptions instead of specific terms.
Substituting Similar-Sounding Words
Some start replacing correct words with ones that sound alike. For instance, instead of “knife,” someone might say “strife” or another unrelated but phonetically similar word.
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Using Descriptive Phrases Instead of Names
People may avoid specific words altogether, describing objects by their use — calling a knife “the thing you cut with” instead of naming it directly.
Shorter, Disconnected Sentences
As the condition progresses, speech becomes more fragmented. Sentences may lack structure, and words may appear out of order or incorrectly used.
Reading and Writing Also Decline
It’s not just spoken language that’s affected. Many patients also lose clarity in writing and reading comprehension — often before memory is impacted.
Memory Stays Intact Early On
Unlike Alzheimer’s, PPA typically doesn’t start with memory loss. That’s why early symptoms are often misunderstood or ignored.
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Most Common Between Ages 50 and 70
This form of dementia typically begins earlier than others. It often affects people in midlife, which makes diagnosis more challenging and symptoms more likely to be dismissed.
A New Test May Detect It Sooner
The Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery (MTL-BR) is proving effective in identifying the subtle signs of PPA, even in its early stages.
Early Detection Can Slow Progression
While there’s no cure, early intervention through speech therapy can significantly delay the loss of language abilities and improve quality of life.
Don’t Ignore the Early Clues
If you or someone you love is showing unusual patterns in speech or writing, it’s worth investigating. These small changes could be the first sign of something much bigger.
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This article is based on information from Dagens.dk
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