Many people assume cognitive decline is a natural part of the aging process. However, if an individual recognizes the early signs of mental decline, they can take steps to preserve their brain health. In many cases, cognitive decline progression can be slowed or mitigated with proactive action. People must understand the early signs of cognitive decline to take this action and protect their mental acuity.
Daily Life Impact
When memory loss begins to impact daily life, it’s time to look into programs for cognitive health. People often forget things or lose their keys, and there is no need to be concerned. These things happen to individuals of all ages. However, frequent memory lapses should be a cause for concern, particularly if they involve recent events or essential information a person should know.
For example, a person may forget an appointment or a significant event in their life. The brain is no longer able to retain short-term memories, which impacts daily life. Furthermore, when a person cannot remember a familiar word, phrase, or name when speaking, they may be suffering from cognitive decline. It’s time to visit the doctor for a complete checkup.
Following Instructions
People with cognitive decline often find it challenging to follow detailed instructions. They may no longer be able to make a recipe that they have been making for years. Tasks involving multiple steps overwhelm them, and they may become disoriented midway through the project. When this happens, a person should see their doctor for a complete exam to learn whether the problem is cognitive decline or another medical issue.
Financial Difficulties
A person might forget to pay their electric or water bill. When their service is cut off, they wonder what happened. Other people find they can no longer balance their checkbook or manage their finances. They are exhibiting poor judgment when it comes to handling money and may make risky financial decisions. Help is needed to determine the underlying cause. If it is determined that this cause is cognitive decline, steps should be taken to slow the progress.
Becoming Lost in Familiar Places
An early sign of cognitive decline is becoming disoriented in familiar surroundings. A person might not be able to return home after going to a favorite destination, or they may wander off unexpectedly. Any change in spatial awareness should be mentioned to the doctor, so they can determine if there is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed or if it was just a moment of forgetfulness.
Individuals with cognitive decline often become confused about times, dates, and places. They may arrive at a location and wonder why they’re there, or forget an essential appointment in their life. Furthermore, they may not be able to remember the current date. Every person has forgotten an appointment or overlooked a birthday. When it happens frequently, it may be that cognitive decline is to blame.
Personality Changes
Personality changes may also indicate cognitive decline. At times, these personality changes are subtle. As the deterioration progresses, they become more pronounced. The individual may be easily irritated or frequently anxious. They might withdraw from others or become apathetic about activities they used to love. These early signs of cognitive decline should be further investigated.
Every person experiences changes in their cognitive ability as they age. When these changes become persistent or severe, family members should seek help immediately. Early action can help slow the progression of the decline so that the individual can have the highest quality of life as long as possible. It never hurts to see a doctor when there is any concern, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan to address whatever the loved one is facing.