Around 1 in 9 American adults experience self-reported cognitive decline. Cognitive decline refers to frequent confusion or memory loss.
While these symptoms can be stressful on their own, they’re also strongly linked to the later development of Alzheimer’s. Luckily, you can slow down your cognitive decline with a few lifestyle changes.
Keep reading to learn more about the four signs of cognitive decline, and how you can combat these.
Signs of Cognitive Decline
1. Memory Loss
Memory issues are one of the most obvious signs of cognitive decline. Some memory problems are normal as you get older, or if you’re under a lot of stress and have distractions impacting your concentration.
But if you don’t have any of these reasons for your forgetfulness, then it might be a sign of cognitive impairment.
2. Mood Issues
Personality and mood changes are common signs of cognitive decline. These changes usually come as a result of hormone imbalances. These imbalances can lead to emotional outbursts or an increased amount of aggression, irritability, anxiety, or depression.
3. Struggling with Concentration
Staying focused becomes incredibly difficult when you’ve got cognitive decline. This can look like losing your train of thought, struggling to follow the storylines in books or movies, or battling to keep up with the conversations.
Concentration problems can also manifest as impulsivity. If you’re suddenly making out-of-character and risky decisions, or have poor judgment, it might be a sign of cognitive decline.
4. Physical Symptoms
Cognitive decline results from problems in your brain. But since your brain controls so much of your body, you’re probably going to see some physical signs of cognitive decline.
The most notable sign will be motor function. This means your movement will be less refined, showing as poor balance and messier handwriting. Fine movements like flipping through pages or picking small objects up will be very difficult.
Speech problems are also common. If your speech is always sounding slurred, it might be a sign of cognitive decline.
Treating Cognitive Decline
There is no way to cure or reverse cognitive decline or Alzheimer’s. But with the right treatment, you can drastically reduce the severity of your symptoms. Beyond this, you can also offset many of the difficulties of having dementia or Alzheimer’s in later life by looking online for “memory care near me” and moving into a suitable facility nearby. In the meantime however it’s crucial to be kind to your brain where possible and avoid damaging it.
Cognitive decline is associated with damage or aging of certain parts of the brain, resulting in those areas shrinking. When they shrink, it means that area of the brain can’t work properly.
But certain lifestyle changes can help the brain function better.
Diet is a big one. Remove unhealthy items like highly processed foods. Make sure you’re eating lots of healthy fats.
You can also improve your diet with supplements that target brain function. Click to learn more about the best memory supplements.
Exercise, stress management, hormone balancing, and good sleeping habits all help your brain stay healthy. The healthier your brain, the better your symptoms of cognitive decline.
Spotting the Signs of Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline isn’t the end. There is lots of time to train your brain and give it the support it needs to stay sharp.
Keep your eyes out for the signs of cognitive decline, and treat them accordingly when you see them.
For more mental health and lifestyle content, check out our blog!
