Over the last 10 years or so, I have noticed increasing trouble understanding what people are saying to me, especially if there are several people speaking at the same time, such as at a family dinner, or worse, at a big party. It may be the main reason I find social occasions increasingly difficult and intimidating. When Lois speaks to me, I often have to ask her to repeat what she said. She has learned to say things twice if she wants me to get it. I know that is irritating for her. Often, I just nod or grunt, pretending I understand what she is saying. I have attributed this increasing problem to my Alzheimer’s disease interfering with my ability to understand language, particularly if I don’t hear every word clearly. Aphasias affecting language production (poor word finding) or reception (impaired understanding) are common in the mid-to-late stages of Alzheimer’s, but trouble finding the right word or name is often one of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer’s.