What is the term for word confusion in the elderly

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Specializes in med surg ltc psych.

Hello everyone, I'd like to know what the term is when an older person who hasn't had a stroke or any neurological pathology speaks words and sentences but the words are not in the right order, or the word is similar but not right eg: I wish I could block (instead of walk) around the neighborhood. I'm sure she was thinking walk around the block. I've just heard the thought in sentences but the words are close but off by a letter or word. I'm refering to some who do not have a dx of Alzhiemers or dementia. Wondered if there is a clinical term for the word confusion for some seniors. Hypoxia involved?

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

word salad? dysarthria?

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is it Wernicke's aphasia?

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

"flight of ideas" ?

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.
phonemic paraphasia - mispronunciation; syllables out of sequence. e.g. "i slipped on the lice and broke my arm.
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expressive aphasia?

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Specializes in ER.

Apraxia of speech?

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aphasia or "unable to speak complete thought processes"

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Aphasia

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Specializes in Professional Development Specialist.

As you can see there are lots of possiblities. Which definition applies depends on the cause and expression. Does this happen every time she tries to communicate? I would say finding out the root cause is pretty important to the diagnosis and treatment.

Word salad is generally non sensical, just a random string of words with no apparent meaning. Expressive aphasia or apraxia are both about not being able to find or use the right words. Both are generally related to damage to the speech center of the brain.

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Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I was PERPLEXED.

I was CONFOUNDED.

I was BEWILDERED.

I was BEFUDDLED.

I was TANGLED.

I've heard word tangling lately. Not sure it is an actual process.

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Whatever it is, the least significant part of your observation is the pt's age. If this is a change, it's significant.

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