Forgetfulness can be an everyday occurrence, especially for those who are aging.
Misplacing car keys or forgetting appointments does not automatically indicate cognitive decline.
However, if these memory lapses become frequent enough that friends or family express concern, it may warrant a discussion with a primary care physician.
Symptoms to watch for include getting lost in familiar areas, frequently misplacing items, or repeating questions.
Other signs could be forgetting basic words or having difficulty completing simple tasks.
According to Frost, a noticeable change in memory often leads individuals and their families to seek professional guidance.
It’s important to note that a variety of factors can affect memory, and they do not always signify cognitive decline.
These factors include stress, mental health issues like depression and anxiety, side effects from medications, head injuries, substance abuse, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, lack of sleep, and thyroid problems.
As Cliatt Brown points out, stress—whether emotional or physical—can significantly impact cognitive function.
However, if symptoms persist even after the stressful period has resolved, this may raise more considerable concerns.
Healthcare professionals emphasize that about half of dementia cases can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices.
Simple, everyday actions can contribute significantly to maintaining cognitive health.
Experts recommend engaging in at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise daily, following a healthy diet like the Mediterranean or MIND diets, and ensuring sufficient sleep each night.
Limitations on alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also advisable.
Managing controllable health factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea is crucial in reducing dementia risk.
For those who need them, wearing eyeglasses or hearing aids helps enhance cognitive health as well.
Staying socially active is equally vital—whether through family interactions, community involvement, or volunteering.
Participating in mentally stimulating activities, like puzzles, art, or board games, can also exercise the brain.
“It’s a ‘use it or lose it’ situation for your brain,” says Cliatt Brown.
Keeping the brain engaged can help stave off cognitive decline over time.
If significant memory issues arise, starting the discussion with a primary care physician is a wise first step.
They can provide basic cognitive screenings and administer a written test to evaluate cognitive function.
Struggles with this test can flag a potential problem, leading to further evaluation by a neurologist.
Brain imaging techniques, such as MRIs or CT scans, can exclude serious issues like strokes.
Specialized tests like PET scans can be conducted to identify specific cognitive conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia.
For those experiencing cognitive symptoms, a blood draw can check for certain biomarkers indicative of Alzheimer’s.
ARUP Laboratories offers a test detecting tau proteins in the blood, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
It’s crucial, however, to limit these tests to individuals exhibiting symptoms since normal cognition may lead to false positives.
Cliatt Brown notes that early signs of Alzheimer’s—especially in individuals aged 65 and older—often revolve around memory problems, such as forgetting recent conversations.
Additionally, losing acquired cognitive skills can signal distinguished decline.
For instance, someone who has a history of woodworking may start having difficulties with familiar tasks, like building a simple chair.
The takeaway is clear: if there are any cognitive health concerns, reaching out to a primary care physician is essential.
They can help navigate the initial steps toward understanding memory issues and potential cognitive decline.
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