Our brains age with us. Like our physical capabilities, they also deteriorate and weaken as we get older, causing a decline in our cognitive skills. Most of us experience random moments of forgetfulness – walking into a room and not remembering why you’re there or failing to recall what you’re about to say to someone; in seniors, however, these incidents could be a tell-tale sign of cognitive impairment.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
You may have noticed older people having a hard time concentrating, learning, or recalling things and thought it’s normal. But while it’s true that senior cognitive issues are a common side effect of aging, these signs can be an indication of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or more severe conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Prevalent signs of cognitive issues in seniors include:
- Mood swings
- Changes in behavior and visual perception
- Memory problems
- Inability to recognize familiar people or places
- Difficulty in concentrating and exercising judgment
- Having trouble processing information/performing a mental task
- Misplacing things regularly
If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, seek professional medical advice immediately to find out and remedy any underlying causes before they get out of hand.
Fighting Cognitive Decline in Seniors
There are plenty of ways to slow down the memory decline process and – believe it or not – they might be easier than you think. These practices will help improve physical vitality in seniors and contribute to a healthier brain:
Stay away from stress
The stress hormone, Cortisol, can damage the brain and impair cognitive functions over time. Thus, it’s crucial for seniors to stay away from stress or learn how to manage stress better.
Activities like afternoon walks, exercising, or mediation can help relieve stress in seniors and keep them physically healthy as well.
Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy and balanced diet is not only good for the body; it can boost cognitive health, too. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, for instance, are good for the brain and found to help with slowing down memory decline. Moreover, berries, greens, and foods with high levels of vitamin E contribute to enhanced memory function and prevent neuron degeneration.
Engage in activities that stimulate the brain
Seniors can use the right dose of mental stimulation to keep their brains sharp. Reading, word puzzles, board games, and chess are just some of the many activities that aging adults can engage in to exercise and challenge the mind. An active brain is less at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other serious cognitive conditions.
Keep a healthy level of socialization
Old age can get sad and lonely. A healthy level of social interaction can significantly reduce stress in seniors and keep them mentally active. If your senior loved ones live alone, remember to take the time to visit and spend quality time with them or enroll them in classes with other seniors.
Many aging adults prefer to reside in assisted living facilities where they can live and mingle with other seniors. Assisted living homes often have intergenerational programs that allow residents to engage with people from different generations – a great way for seniors to relate with younger people and keep pace with the changing times.
It’s painful to watch someone you love struggle with cognitive decline, but you shouldn’t feel helpless or lose hope just yet. You can do something! Work with your senior loved ones; make sure they live a physically, mentally, and socially healthy lifestyle.
Most importantly, be vigilant! Recognizing the symptoms early on and taking appropriate measures can increase your chances of preventing the issues from getting worse.
About the Author
Melissa Andrews is the Content Marketing Strategist for Paradise Living Centers, an assisted living center for seniors with locations in Paradise Valley and Phoenix, Arizona. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and going on hiking trips with her siblings and cousins.