As we age, it’s common for our cognitive abilities to decline. However, there’s a difference between normal age-related decline and cognitive decline that’s indicative of a serious medical issue.

If you or someone you love is experiencing cognitive decline, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

Identifying the Signs of Cognitive Decline

The signs of cognitive decline can be subtle or obvious, and can vary from person to person. Some common signs to look out for include:.

Memory loss that impacts daily life
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Issues with language
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
Poor judgment or decision-making abilities
Withdrawal from social activities
Changes in mood and personality

Causes of Cognitive Decline

One of the most common causes of cognitive decline is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects more than 5 million Americans. Other causes of cognitive decline include:.

Parkinson’s disease
Stroke
Brain tumors
Mental Health Disorders
Thyroid Problems
Vitamin Deficiencies
Side Effects of Medications

When to Seek Help

If you or someone you love is experiencing any signs of cognitive decline, it’s important to seek help right away. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances of slowing the progression of the disease and improving quality of life.

Make an appointment with a medical professional if you notice any of the following:.

Memory loss that impacts daily life
Difficulty performing familiar tasks
Issues with language
Misplacing things and being unable to retrace steps to find them
Poor judgment or decision-making abilities
Withdrawal from social activities
Changes in mood and personality
Confusion about time and place
Difficulty understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing

Getting Help for Cognitive Decline

If you or someone you love is experiencing cognitive decline, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional who specializes in cognitive disorders. This may include a neurologist, geriatrician, or neuropsychologist.

During an evaluation, the medical professional will typically conduct a series of tests to assess cognitive function. These may include:.

Memory recall tests
Language and comprehension tests
Problem-solving tasks
Visual-spatial tests
Attention tests
Personality and mood assessments

Treatment Options for Cognitive Decline

Treatment options for cognitive decline will depend on the cause of the decline.

If it’s caused by a medical condition such as Alzheimer’s, medications may be prescribed to help slow the progression of the disease and manage symptoms such as memory loss and confusion.

In addition to medication, doctors may also recommend lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, a healthy diet, and regular cognitive exercises such as puzzles and memory games.

Coping with Cognitive Decline

A diagnosis of cognitive decline can be difficult for both the person experiencing it and their loved ones. However, there are several things you can do to help cope with cognitive decline:.

Stay socially active by participating in regular activities and hobbies
Attend support groups or therapy to talk about the challenges of cognitive decline
Focus on the things you can still do and enjoy
Delegate tasks to others and seek help when needed

Conclusion

Cognitive decline can be a difficult and scary experience, but seeking help early on can make a big difference in managing the disease and improving quality of life.

If you or someone you love is experiencing signs of cognitive decline, don’t hesitate to seek help from a medical professional.