Answer: Um
Clues: “Filter” and “Words”
A study at the University of Toronto found that using lots of filler words like “uh” and “um” could be a sign your brain is breaking.
They tested the speech patterns of more than 240 adults. And the ones who paused or used filler words a lot tended to show the biggest declines in “executive function.”
Executive function includes everything from memory and planning, to reasoning and problem-solving skills. Basically, a broad term for how well your brain works.
A decline as you get older is totally normal. And using a lot of filler words can also just be a bad habit. So don’t panic.
But they think that using them more and more could be a sign you’re slipping. It worked so well, they think doctors could even use it to test for cognitive decline.