Growing older affects all parts of the body, from the brain to physical ability. Speech can also be impacted by the aging process. In fact, speech problems are common in the elder population. A wide range of common causes are behind the loss of a senior’s ability to speak.
Adult children may recall afternoons holding animated conversations with their parents. But it can be confusing and scary when elderly parents slowly begin to shut down verbally. They may no longer be able to carry on long conversations, while some lose the ability to speak entirely.
What causes speech problems in the elderly?
Speaking, listening, and processing thoughts become more difficult as seniors age. Although natural parts of aging, these challenges cause problems with communication. On the other hand, losing the ability to speak may be due to an underlying cause that requires professional attention.
1. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is a part of growing older. Roughly one-third of seniors over 60 experience some level of hearing loss, while half of people over 80 struggle with hearing. Being unable to hear is an obstacle to seniors’ comfort and ability to communicate. It impacts their confidence in carrying out conversations.
Many instances of hearing loss can be corrected after visiting an audiologist. Hearing aids, for instance, can be prescribed to facilitate hearing. Caregivers might even devise new communication tactics so that the older adult feels confident in participating in conversations.
2. Aphasia
Aphasia is a communication disorder that interferes with a senior’s ability to speak, write, and understand language. It results when the language-processing areas of the brain become damaged. This condition is common in the elderly but especially in those who have had a stroke.
The disorder ranges from mild to severe. When the former occurs, the senior has a limited ability to speak yet experiences trouble finding the right words. Severe aphasia causes the older adult difficulty speaking and they may not understand or participate in conversations.
If aphasia is caused by a stroke, the senior can benefit from speech therapy. A therapist may help the older adult communicate in ways other than verbally. Medications may help improve blood flow to the brain. Dementia also causes damage to the brain and can be responsible for aphasia.
3. Dementia
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia interfere with an aging person’s ability to speak. Understanding speech and processing information become challenging as the neurological effects of dementia progress over time. Dementia patients have difficulty expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Music is a skill that dementia patients retain. By playing their favorite music, caregivers help them convey emotion. Talk to them while engaging in another activity, such as brushing their hair. Although the conversation is one-sided, the interaction feels natural and helps the senior feel heard.
4. Dysarthria
Speech impairments may be caused by dysarthria. The slurred and sloppy speech that characterize this condition are caused by weak muscles around the lips, tongue, face, vocal folds, and diaphragm. Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders can also cause dysarthria.
When seniors are unable to speak because of a condition like dysarthria, they feel frustrated and vulnerable. They are no longer able to communicate their needs and wants to those around them. Caregivers should be patient, as the senior is still able to hear and understand.
5. Sensory Changes
Like hearing impairment, vision loss can prevent a senior from engaging in conversations as they normally would. Both minor and major vision impairments can interfere with the older adult’s ability to pick up on social cues and hold lengthy conversations.
Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease can lead to social isolation. Eye conditions can also be responsible for falls and decreased independence. Correcting eye problems enhances vision and helps improve communication, while also reducing the risk of falls.
How does the loss of speech affect seniors?
A senior who loses some or all of their ability to speak experiences significant frustration, anger, and even depression. As a result, they may lash out at family and friends. Alternately, to avoid situations where they have to speak, the older adult may become isolated or withdraw from social events.
Impaired speaking abilities may interfere with the senior getting the attention and care they deserve. Without being able to express themselves, the line of communication with caregivers, family members, and physicians is interrupted. This can impact the level of care they receive.
What are other ways to communicate?
Caregivers, however, can utilize other communication strategies. Body language demonstrates that the caregiver is listening. Non-verbal cues, like smiling or nodding, express the meaning behind the words. Pay attention to the senior’s body language, like grimacing or fidgeting, to gauge responses.
Provide the senior with assistive devices, like a tablet, to facilitate communication. Write notes, too. Share photos in a scrapbook or paint to help the older adult open up. Show patience by giving the aging individual time to process what has been said.
Families that need help communicating with an elderly loved one who has lost the ability to speak will find reliable support from Assisting Hands Home Care. When Alzheimer’s or dementia is behind the loss of speech, our compassionate dementia care will be invaluable.
Our memory caregivers are trained to identify and manage dementia symptoms. We provide a wide range of care to protect the senior’s welfare, comfort, and safety. Wandering prevention, help with incontinence, healthy meal preparation, and medication reminders are a few of our many services.
If your aging loved one has an appointment for speech therapy, we provide safe transportation to the office. Our professional caregivers accompany the senior throughout the outing to promote confidence. Also included in our memory care services are transfer and mobility assistance.
Older adults living in Sarasota, Florida, can receive the in-home care they need to live a high quality of life. Schedule a free in-home consultation with Assisting Hands Home Care and we’ll prepare a customized care plan to meet all non-medical care needs. Call today at (941) 315-2336 for quality senior home care.
