What is word-finding difficulty a symptom of?

“Word-finding difficulty is a prevalent disease-related deficit in early multiple sclerosis” by Rachel Brandstadter, James F Sumowski (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai), and colleagues is published in Multiple Sclerosis Journal (2020, Vol. 26(13) 1752–1764).

What part of the brain is responsible for word-finding?

Broca’s area, located in the left hemisphere, is associated with speech production and articulation. Our ability to articulate ideas, as well as use words accurately in spoken and written language, has been attributed to this crucial area.

Is word-finding difficulty normal?

It is normal for word-finding problems to increase as we age. It is normal for us to be slower in processing information as we age. An increase in “tips of the tongue” is evident as early as the mid-thirties. The length of time before the missing word is recalled also increases with age.

Is word finding difficulty aphasia?

Anomic aphasia is the mildest of the aphasias, with relatively preserved speech and comprehension but difficulty in word finding. The persistent inability to find the correct word is known as anomia (literally, ‘without names’).

What is word retrieval difficulty?

A ‘word retrieval difficulty’ or ‘word finding problem’ is when a person knows and understands a particular word, but has difficulty retrieving it and using it in their speech. This is similar to when we feel that a word (for example a name) is on the tip of our tongue.

What causes word finding difficulties in adults?

Common Causes of Word Finding Problems: the brain ages, chemical changes occur and memory abilities can begin to fade. Intensive Speech & Language Pathology services can help address problems in this area.

How do you deal with word finding difficulties?

The Treatment: Word-Finding Strategies

1. Delay. Just give it a second or two.
2. Describe. Give the listener information about what the thing looks like or does.
3. Association. See if you can think of something related.
4. Synonyms. Think of a word that means the same or something similar.
5. First Letter.
6. Gesture.
7. Draw.
8. Look it Up.

What is it called when you can’t remember words?

Anomic aphasia (anomia) is a type of aphasia characterized by problems recalling words, names, and numbers.

Is word-finding difficulty a clinical problem?

The patient with word-finding difficulty presents a common and challenging clinical problem. The complaint of ‘word-finding difficulty’ covers a wide range of clinical phenomena and may signify any of a number of distinct pathophysiological processes.

What is the basis for the word-finding problem?

In both situations, the basis for the word-finding problem needs to be established but this is often not straightforward. Spoken communication depends on a sequence of cognitive processes, and disruption of any of these processes can affect word-finding (Fig. 1).

Are word finding difficulties a symptom of a brain disorder?

In rare situations, they may be a symptom of a brain disorder. Talk to your healthcare provider if word-finding difficulties are significant and get progressively worse over time, or are accompanied by worsening memory problems. But rest assured that for most of us, word finding difficulties are a shared experience.

Is there a problem with word-finding in neurology?

In many cases, patients will complain of word-finding difficulty or, not uncommonly, the difficulty is identified by the neurologist in the course of the assessment. In both situations, the basis for the word-finding problem needs to be established but this is often not straightforward.