The Myths and Facts Surrounding Cognitive Aging

You leave the house to buy groceries, or to head to work – but you’ve forgotten your wallet. Or your keys. Or phone.

Mental missteps are commonplace – everyone has gone through this scenario. Substitute the destination and forgotten item with different factors but the situation is the same. As these forgetful instances become more and more frequent while we age, the stigma and personal worry that results can be especially damaging.

However – it is important to note that while cognitive aging can be somewhat distressing, there is nothing abnormal about it. Though less frequent, we experience the same forgetfulness in our youth as we do in our elder years. From the moment we are born, we progress through different stages of cognitive aging.

Cognitive aging is not a disease – nor is it as debilitating as real neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or dementia. According to a report released by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, “wisdom and expertise can increase with age, while speed of processing, decision-making, and some types of memory may decline. Cognitive aging may affect daily tasks such as paying bills, driving, following recipes, and adhering to medication schedules.”

There are many different ways to inhibit the negative side effects of cognitive aging. Remaining physically active, managing cardiovascular disease risks, and keeping an open channel of communication with your health care professional can all help mitigate the aging process.

While it may seem obvious, staying engaged intellectually and socially with those around you has also been cited as a way to combat forgetfulness. If a friend or loved one is experiencing symptoms of cognitive aging, lessen the stigma through minimizing your reaction. Making a big deal out of a simple mistake like those listed above is not a helpful response for anyone involved.

Cognitive aging can be a difficult period of decline for anyone experiencing the signs, but if you’re worried about someone living through it independently contact Paradise Living Centers to discuss your options: 602-550-1247.

Warning signs of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

A popular misconception about aging is that senior moments are common and considered a normal part of getting older. While an occasional senior moment can be expected, if your loved one is frequently having difficulty with his or her memory it may be a warning sign of dementia or the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dementia is a group of symptoms that affect mental tasks like memory and reasoning. This impairment interferes with a person’s ability to do things which he or she was previously able to do. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a progressive disease of the brain that slowly impairs memory and cognitive function.

Memory loss is the main warning sign for both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, but there are others you should watch for:

If your loved one has two or more of the following symptoms it may be considered dementia:

Memory loss that interrupts daily life
Difficulty speaking or writing
Loss of focus and inability to pay attention
Decreased or poor judgment
Trouble understanding visual images and recognizing spatial relationships

Alzheimer’s disease shares similar signs to dementia, although there are a few others to be aware of that may present themselves in varying degrees:

Challenges planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure
Confusion with time or place
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
Withdrawal from work or social activities
Changes in mood and personality

If your loved one exhibits any of these signs, consult his or her doctor for diagnosis and to learn more about treatment options.

*Source: Alzheimer’s Association