It’s natural for the brain to slow down a little with age. But how much is too much?
Let’s take a look at some warning signs related to more serious issues with cognitive health.
Disruptive Memory Loss
Everyone forgets things now and then. Perhaps you can’t find your glasses. Or maybe you see a casual acquaintance at the grocery store but can’t remember her name. These examples can happen to anyone at any age.
Disruptive memory loss is different from what’s described above. Common examples of more significant issues with memory include a person asking for the same information over and over again, or someone relaying the same information repeatedly without remembering that they had done so.
These may be red flags that something more significant is occurring with a person’s cognition.
Difficulty With Familiar Tasks
Getting lost while driving a well-traveled route.
Making a phone call.
Having issues with routine tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal care.
All of these can be indicators of cognitive decline.
Language Problems
Everyone struggles to find a particular word or phrase from time to time. The following may indicate a more serious problem:
- Trouble following conversations
- Continual struggle with finding words or names (or mispronouncing common words and names)
- Frequently using the wrong word and/or making up words
Time or Place Disorientation
If a person suddenly loses track of where they are, what day it is, or significantly loses track of how much time has gone by, cognitive decline could be the cause.
Issues With Judgment
Anyone can make a poor decision…at any age. But a noticeable decline in a person’s ability to make sound decisions should be a cause for concern.
Warning signs can include uncharacteristic payments to telemarketers, donations to dubious charities, or neglecting personal grooming.
Any of the above may be a sign that a person’s decision-making skills have been compromised.
Withdrawal from Work or Social Activities
Cognitive decline often results in people withdrawing from work and/or social activities, in part because they may find it difficult to follow conversations or remain engaged.
This withdrawal from interacting with others can also result from feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed by a loss in mental acuity.
Mood and Personality Changes
Significant mood swings or personality changes can also be indicative of cognitive disorders.
People suffering from cognitive decline can become confused, suspicious, or fearful. Any uncharacteristic changes in mood or personality deserve additional investigation.
Problems With Visual and Spatial Relationships
The vision problems being referred to here aren’t about needing corrective eyewear. This warning sign has to do with how a person’s brain processes visual information.
Examples include:
- Trouble with judging distance
- Difficulty distinguishing colors or contrast
- Problems with reading comprehension
Tips for Preserving Cognition
The following are some steps you can take to keep your brain healthy:
- Incorporate learning and problem-solving into your routine.
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay physically active.
- Stay socially connected.
- Get your hormones tested. Age-related hormone decline can cause symptoms like reduced mental acuity and brain fog and can also increase risk factors for developing dementia later in life.
Your best defense against cognitive decline is to be proactive. Renew Youth is here to help with physician-supervised bioidentical hormone therapy. Ready to get started? Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation.