It’s natural for a senior family member to struggle with their thinking, learning, and memory retention as age-related health declines are known to impact mental processing and overall attention. However, issues like dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are not normal.
If you feel like a loved one may be experiencing abnormal aging, it’s best to speak to a mental health specialist immediately. As with other conditions, early detection can do wonders for an individual’s well-being.
Here we discuss cognitive decline in seniors. Read on to identify normal cases from those that might need professional intervention.
The Aging Brain
The brain controls all cognitive functions, including planning, organizing, and decision-making. These components affect how people perform daily tasks and live independently.
Below are some of the changes the brain undergoes as it ages:
- Shrinkage: Some parts of the brain get smaller over the years, including those used for learning.
- Communication challenges: As the brain ages, neurons can dwindle and not be as effective in communicating with one another.
- Blood flow: Older people may experience weaker blood flow in the brain.
- Inflammation: Once an individual goes through injury or disease, swelling may become visible on the brain and cause physical discomfort.
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Common Cognitive Disorders
Due to the changes the brain faces, older people might struggle to remember information, multitask, and pay attention. If you notice sudden and extreme changes in a person’s cognitive functions, consider having a specialist assess them for the following:
- Alzheimer’s disease: A condition that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills.
- Lewy-Body disease: An illness associated with protein deposits in the brain that impacts thinking, movement, and mood.
- Parkinson’s disease: A neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, such as shaking and imbalance.
- Frontotemporal degeneration (FTD): A disease characterized by neuron damage that affects communication, behavior, and mobility
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Fighting Cognitive Decline
Cognitive decline may seem overwhelming, but there are ways to help your aging loved ones fight such conditions. Below are some tips to keep a brain in good shape:
- Be physically healthy: In most cases, what’s good for the body is good for the brain. For instance, eating fruits and vegetables and exercising regularly can do wonders for cognitive functions.
- Manage chronic health problems: Oftentimes, conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression can impact a person’s mental health.
- Consult with a healthcare provider: Working with a specialist can help you identify the underlying causes of potential cognitive decline.
Find Therapy and Mental Health Services Near You
Embassy Healthcare has been serving the skilled nursing needs of aging individuals throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Florida for almost 25 years. Call 216-378-2050 to learn more. Schedule a consultation now to help prevent cognitive decline in your senior relatives and friends.
