Here are the three important things to know about cognitive decline:
1. - Gradual Changes in Thinking Abilities:
- Cognitive decline refers to the gradual loss of thinking abilities such as learning, remembering, paying attention, and reasoning.
- As people age, some mild cognitive decline is typical. However, significant changes may indicate an underlying mental disorder.
- There are four recognized stages of cognition as people age:
- No Cognitive Impairment (NCI): No noticeable differences in thinking ability or complex cognitive skills.
- Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD): Some decline in thinking abilities but not enough to interfere with daily functioning.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): Decline in reasoning, memory, language use, judgment, and perception.
- Dementia: Difficulty with daily activities like driving, paying bills, and self-care.
2.- Signs of Cognitive Decline:
- While cognitive decline varies from person to person, some common signs include:
- Difficulty finding the right words to express oneself.
- Losing or misplacing items.
- Forgetting appointments and scheduled events.
- Feeling overwhelmed by complex tasks and projects.
- It's essential to differentiate between typical forgetfulness and cognitive decline. Regular forgetfulness doesn't necessarily indicate cognitive decline.
3. - When to Seek Medical Attention:
- If you experience any of the following signs, consider visiting a healthcare professional:
- Getting lost in once-familiar areas.
- Becoming frustrated with communication difficulties.
- Early detection and intervention can help manage cognitive decline effectively.
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Remember that maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying mentally active, and seeking professional advice can improve brain health as you age. 😊
Stay Healthy
M.N.Curry
