Four subtle language shifts that could be early signs of dementia
by Polly Dunbar · Australian Financial ReviewPolly Dunbar
May 20, 2026 – 5.00am
It strikes us all in midlife and beyond – you’re rhapsodising about a new book or program, only to draw a blank when it comes to the name of its author or star. It’s equally common to worry that these memory slips could be a warning sign of dementia. But a growing body of research suggests we may be looking in the wrong place.
A major new review of studies shows the earliest red flags of dementia – which affects around one in 14 people over 65 in the UK and an estimated 446,500 Australians – lie in the way we speak. From the speed and rhythm of our speech to the complexity of our vocabulary and sentences, these small changes are now being linked to the first stages of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Loading...
The Telegraph London
Save
Log in or Subscribe to save article
Share
Copy link
Copied
Copy link
Copied
Share via...
Gift this article
Subscribe to gift this article
Gift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.
Already a subscriber? Login
Introducing your Newsfeed
Follow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.
Read More
Latest In Healthcare & fitness
Fetching latest articles