What may be causing this
- Slower processing
- Difficulty finding and understanding words
- Hearing loss
- Distracting environments
What to try first
- Approach from the front and make eye contact
- Use one idea per sentence, then wait
- Ask yes/no questions rather than open ones
- Point or demonstrate as you speak
- Match your tone to the message
What usually makes it worse
- Quizzing or correcting
- Talking about the person as if they are not there
- Background TV during conversation
- Speaking quickly or from another room
Simple things you can do today
- Turn off background noise during conversations
- Practice waiting a full ten seconds for a response
- Replace 'do you remember' with 'I was thinking about'
When to call the doctor
- Sudden change in speech or comprehension
- Hearing has not been tested recently
When it may be an emergency
- Threats or acts of violence toward self or others
- Sudden confusion, weakness, slurred speech, or facial droop
- A fall with head injury, especially on a blood thinner
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.