Although it may seem like a simple mental ‘block,’ researchers have found that, during these moments, several areas of the brain work together to retrieve the missing word. Three key regions play a role in this process: the anterior cingulate cortex, the prefrontal cortex, and the insula. The anterior cingulate cortex acts as a monitor, detecting the conflict between knowing a word and being unable to recall it. The prefrontal cortex evaluates possible matches to ensure accuracy, while the insula helps reconstruct the phonological components of a word. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have demonstrated how these areas interact, revealing the brain’s concerted effort to solve the problem, writes The Conversation.
This task becomes increasingly difficult with age. Research shows that activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and insula—both crucial for word retrieval—declines over time. This decline makes recalling specific words more challenging, much like searching for missing or mislabeled books in a library, reports Focus. Adults often experience reduced activity in the insula, which impairs word formation and increases the frequency of ‘tip-of-the-tongue’ moments.
Although this phenomenon can be frustrating, it is a normal part of brain function and does not necessarily indicate cognitive decline. Scientists believe that maintaining a strong cognitive reserve through intellectual stimulation, social engagement, and exercise can help counteract these effects. A well-developed cognitive reserve enables the brain to adapt and compensate for changes, improving word retrieval even with age.
If a word remains elusive, taking a short break or focusing on related words can help trigger recall. While these moments highlight the brain’s complexity, they also demonstrate its efficiency in continuously searching for, testing, and refining ways to retrieve information from language.
