Here’s a story that might be a little… ummm… unsettling. 😅
A new study out of the University of Toronto says that using tons of filler words like “uh” and “um” could actually be a sign your brain is slipping. 🧠⬇️
Researchers looked at speech patterns from more than 240 adults, and here’s what they found:👉 People who paused a lot or used more filler words tended to score lower on tests involving executive function.
Executive function is basically how well your brain works — memory, planning, reasoning, problem-solving… the whole package. 🧩
Now before you panic every time you say “umm,” chill. 😅A little cognitive decline is totally normal as you age. And some people just have a habit of using filler words.
BUT — the researchers say that noticing those words increasing over time might be a red flag. The method worked so well, doctors think it could someday become a tool for spotting early cognitive decline. 🩺🧠
So if you catch yourself saying “uhhhhh” more than usual… maybe keep an eye on it. 👀