Dementia occurs when toxic proteins accumulate in the brain and prevent communication between brain cells. The more obvious signs of the disease tend to be difficulty concentrating and memory loss, but patients sometimes report other symptoms first. Sometimes, verbal fluency is among the first clues hinting at brain decline.
In order for a person to speak, several components of the nervous system work together to form words.
“When these parts don’t work correctly, your speech can become distorted or slurred. The medical term for demurred is dysarthria,” explains Buyohealth.
When a person’s speech becomes slurred or becomes difficult to understand this may signal nervous system disorders or a condition that triggers paralysis in the face.
Cases of slurred speech have been recognised in dementia patients too, however.
READ MORE: Three signs upon ‘waking’ that may signal a future dementia diagnosis
In fact, caregivers have described a decline in the use of formal langue by patients even in the early stages of the disease.
Like stroke, dementia produces different symptoms depending on the part of the brain that’s impaired.
With some types of frontotemporal dementia, for instance, patients are more likely to suffer problems relating to language and speech.
They may experience difficulty finding the right words, or may completely lose their ability to speak coherently in the advanced stages.
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This was illustrated in the case report of a 49-year-old man who presented with slurred speech, memory loss and behavioural changes months before he was diagnosed with dementia.
According to the report, published in Frontiers in Neurology, the patient’s symptoms had started while the man was on vacation with his sister, who noticed he was more quiet than usual.
Family members also noticed “his speech was slurred” which was initially put down to fatigue and wine intake.
But it wasn’t long until the patient began suspecting strange symptoms himself, which began to intensify over a period of two months.
READ MORE: The way you solve tasks could point to dementia ‘nine years’ early
The patient later said he had experienced short-term memory impairment, slurred speech, word-finding difficulties and behavioural changes.
As his condition advanced he became increasingly drowsy and experienced an overall decline in his ability to perform tasks of daily living.
Unfortunately, there is no treatment available to slow or stop the progression of symptoms in dementia.
Diagnosing the condition early, however, can prolong the quality of life.
The Mayo Clinic suggests engaging in mentally stimulating activities, reading, solving puzzles and playing word games to offset the cognitive decline.
“Physical activity and social interaction might delay the onset of dementia and reduce its symptoms,” said the health body.
There is no solid evidence that adhering to specific diets can prevent Alzheimer’s disease, but specific foods can promote brain health.
It is widely believed that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and cereals and low in red meat and sugar could help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
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