I'm having the same problem with forgetting words I've used all of my life (short term memory too).I put a thesaurus app on my phone which helps a lot because I know the point behind what I intended to say but can't pull up the specific word. It's interesting to explore in too.

My brother deals with this daily, if he is trying to relay something and he is interrupted he simply forgets what he is going to say. For someone like me this requires a lot of patience but I am trying hard and give him the space and time he needs to verbalize his thoughts, if I rush him he gets nervous and then any thought he had is gone. He always tells me I forgot what I was going to say, don't interrupt me or I can't finish my thought. As caregivers we have a great burden but our burden will never be as great as someone who is dealing with the effects of PD. Patience is our greatest weapon against this awful disease.

If you are dealing with these issues just let those around you know that you require the space to verbalize your thoughts without interruption, and things will go more smoothly. It will take them some practice but they will get with the program because you are worth it. :)

Hi all! I haven’t been on in a LONG time! Been busy with work, family and life! But as a speech pathologist who works with PD patients and my husband who has PD, I can’t help but comment. Two things to help with word finding:
1. Read aloud (anything!) for 20-30 minutes a day. Break it up if needed. But this will help with word recall and also for voice (if you “speak with intent”).
2.Personally, I love the SPEAK OUT program by Parkinson Voice Project. Call them. They will connect you with a speech pathologist whose trained in it.

Hope these help you! Take good care during this “season”.
~ Kim

I just had in depth neuro-psychological this morning. I go back for the results on Tuesday afternoon. Meanwhile my doctor has told me to focus on things like word searches, crossword puzzles, reading, writing (poetry if you enjoy it) and word games you might find on your phone; and also Solitaire, especially the more complicated ones.
Teresa

A difficult situation, indeed. Up until now, my huge vocabulary has helped me out, but I more than often, draw a blank. It helps me that if I know I will be engaging in a conversation where the topic is known ahead of time, I rehearse the comments I might make before I speak. It also helps to listen more and prepare yourself before you talk.