Mixing words up

[AbbaDabbaDooh]

DF has mixed names up for a while very occasionally (first wife, second wife). I didn't think too much about it, but it was mentioned he's been doing it more. The other day he said (along the lines of), 'I'm going to sort out some of AbbaDabbaDooh's things', while talking to me. Which is obviously not what you'd say. Does it sound just age related 😳 ?

Depends what you mean by 'age related'? If you mean forgetful, then no. I think it sounds a little more than that I'm afraid.

How old is he?

78

Interesting that that isn’t mixing the words up - the mistake is in the interaction. So, nothing wrong with that sentence, if he’d been talking to someone else. But for this thread, the outcome is the same - it’s a bit concerning.

Was/is he aware of what happened? If you said you were a bit worried about the way he is talking, would he agree to see his GP with you?

Yes probably. He's quite well monitored as he had a stent a couple of years ago. He gets more irate these days but has always has a bit of grumpy man syndrome, but it's more of an impatience when I'm talking- I'm not the most logical talker though. He mixed up the order of events when talking the other week. Surprisingly bad with directions and things like planning ahead a couple of times to get somewhere in the car, though is aware e.g forgot to check route.

Mmm. It does sound as if there is some cognitive change. But I’m not a doctor. I might ask if he could have had a small stroke at some point - though he would probably be furious to have that brought up as it could affect driving etc.

I don’t think it’s that unusual as you age to do this

Has he had any other symptoms recently: sharp headache, sudden dizziness or disorientation, fainting or difficulty being woken up/seeming to be "spaced out" briefly, experiences of deja vu/jamais vu?

Sometimes suddenly missing semantic links - so inserting the name of the person they're speaking to rather than speaking about, for example, can be symptomatic of TIA, especially with the other symptoms. If it's suddenly started happening, especially if other symptoms are present and with the history of stenting, I'd consider an A&E trip for a CT scan, or at least a 111 call for advice and to see if they can make a CT appointment.

OP, I'm not a doctor but from what you describe the situation is worth evaluating. You're talking about some degree of cognitive slippage, directional difficulty, increase of pre-existing interpersonal issues, executive function (planning). I would mention it to the GP before his next appointment and let them take it from there.