Why can't I think of words?

Everyone can experience word-finding difficulty or that “tip-of-the-tongue” sensation. This is normal and becomes more prominent with age. It can worsen when people feel anxious, excited, depressed or even sleep deprived.


Why do I struggle to think of words?

PPA is caused by degeneration in the parts of the brain that are responsible for speech and language. PPA begins very gradually and initially is experienced as difficulty thinking of common words while speaking or writing. PPA progressively worsens to the point where verbal communication by any means is very difficult.

What is it called when you can't think of words?

Overview. Aphasia is a disorder that affects how you communicate. It can impact your speech, as well as the way you write and understand both spoken and written language. Aphasia usually happens suddenly after a stroke or a head injury.


Why do I feel like I can't get my words out?

Dysarthria means difficulty speaking. It can be caused by brain damage or by brain changes occurring in some conditions affecting the nervous system, or related to ageing. It can affect people of all ages. If dysarthria occurs suddenly, call 999, it may be being caused by a stroke.

Why do I keep forgetting words when I talk?

It is not necessarily a sign of something serious*, but more of an occasional brain glitch. Scientists have found that some things make TOTs more common – such as caffeine, fatigue, and strong emotions – and that words learned later in life are more likely to be forgotten.


Why you can't find the words!



Can anxiety cause loss of words?

Trouble Putting Thoughts to Words: One of the mental effects of anxiety is that it can cause difficulty thinking and planning the words you want to say before you begin speaking, or as you are in the process of speaking. This can result in forgetting words, the incorrect use of words, and long pauses between words.

What is brain fog?

What is brain fog syndrome? Brain fog is characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, and a lack of focus and mental clarity. This can be caused by overworking, lack of sleep, stress, and spending too much time on the computer.

What diseases give you brain fog?

For example, medical conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, celiac disease, and anxiety disorders may present with brain fog symptoms ( 1 , 3 , 43 ).


What age does brain fog start?

Having brain fog or feeling like your memory is slipping when you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, or even in your 80s is common, but it's not normal. It can be a sign of impending doom. If you live to the age of 85, you have a nearly 50% chance of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia.

What are 6 possible causes of brain fog?

6 common causes for brain fog
  • An inflammatory response. While we mostly relate inflammation to joints, did you know your brain can become inflamed too? ...
  • Asthma and allergies. ...
  • Anxiety, depression and stress. ...
  • Cancer treatments. ...
  • Hormonal changes. ...
  • Sleep.


Is forgetting words a symptom of depression?

The short answer is: yes. Research shows that there is a link between depression and memory loss, including confusion and forgetfulness. Symptoms of depression also make it challenging to focus and make good decisions.


Can anxiety cause brain damage?

Summary: Pathological anxiety and chronic stress lead to structural degeneration and impaired functioning of the hippocampus and the PFC, which may account for the increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and dementia.

Can anxiety affect speech memory?

One part of the body affected by anxiety and stress is the nervous system, which plays a primary role in basic functions like memory and learning. As a result, persistent anxiety and memory loss are associated.

Can stress cause you to forget words?

Many common conditions and even some substances can cause forgetfulness. Lyndsay shared some: Depression, anxiety and stress – “These are common causes of forgetfulness,” Lyndsay said. “Stress and mood disturbances can act as a distraction and make it difficult to focus, which can lead to memory problems.”


What neurological disorders cause speech problems?

Conditions that may lead to dysarthria include:
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease)
  • Brain injury.
  • Brain tumor.
  • Cerebral palsy.
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • Head injury.
  • Huntington's disease.
  • Lyme disease.


Can stress cause speech loss?

Feeling Tired or Stressed

And when you're worried about being judged by others or feel embarrassed, you may freeze up or struggle to talk. Anxiety, especially if it crops up when you're in front of a lot of people, can lead to dry mouth, stumbling over your words, and more troubles that can get in the way of speaking.

What are weird symptoms of anxiety?

  • Excessive yawning. During anxiety attacks, hyperventilation is a common response leading your body to feel it isn't getting enough oxygen. ...
  • Phantom smell. ...
  • Brain shivers or zaps. ...
  • ‍Phantom vibrations. ...
  • Tremors. ...
  • ‍Derealization. ...
  • Globus hystericus. ...
  • Eye problems.


What can untreated anxiety lead to?

For the majority of people with undiagnosed or untreated anxiety disorder, there are many negative consequences, for both the individual and society. These include disability, reduced ability to work leading to loss of productivity, and a high risk of suicide.

Can anxiety mess with you mentally?

Having an anxiety disorder does more than make you worry. It can also lead to, or worsen, other mental and physical conditions, such as: Depression (which often occurs with an anxiety disorder) or other mental health disorders. Substance misuse.

Is forgetting words an ADHD thing?

FAQ about ADHD and forgetfulness

A: Yes, there's a link between ADHD and forgetting words or losing your train of thought during a conversation. It all has to do with how the brain processes information and plans out the subsequent verbal response.


Why is my memory so poor?

Memory and other thinking problems have many possible causes, including depression, an infection, or medication side effects. Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Other times, the problem is a brain disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease, which cannot be reversed.

Is memory loss a symptom of ADHD?

Studies show that children with ADHD have a significant deficit in working memory compared to their typically developing peers. Learning about what it means to have poor working memory is the key to understanding many of your child's challenges.

Will brain fog go away?

You can help yourself recover, because brain fog improves with healthier lifestyle choices. The "basics" are eating healthier, getting enough sleep and rest, and increasing physical activity (gradually). Reducing stress is also important.


What does anxiety brain fog feel like?

Brain fog, foggy head anxiety symptoms description:

It feels like you have a foggy head, foggy mind. You have difficulty thinking, concentrating, and/or forming thoughts. Your thinking feels like it is muddled and impaired. Some people describe this symptom as being “foggy-headed” or having a “foggy head.”

Is brain fog permanent?

People usually recover from brain fog. You may get similar symptoms after other infections, a minor head injury or during the menopause. Brain fog is also common if you have depression, anxiety or stress. While recovering from coronavirus (COVID-19), some people experience brain fog.