5 First Signs of Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline
As you spend time with the older members of your family, you may start to notice something is “off.” Or maybe you’re starting to question yourself—frequently misplacing things, struggling to find the right word, or feeling like you’re losing your edge. Memory loss and cognitive decline are extremely common. While there are things you can do to slow the progression, it’s important to take action early to protect your quality of life as long as possible. Here are 5 somewhat surprising signs of memory loss in its earlier stages:
Struggling to Read Analog Clocks
This is a frustrating and disorienting early sign of dementia or cognitive decline. Telling time requires areas of memory and logic that are damaged by early stages of cognitive decline, so older adults who suddenly lose this skill may be progressing in their memory loss.
Along with the literal inability to read analog clocks, a loss of time awareness is also common. They may have distorted perceptions of how much time has passed, as well as things like days/weeks/months and keeping track of their schedules.
Saying the Wrong Word
Does the wrong word frequently slip out of your loved one’s mouth? Or do you find yourself frequently digging back through your brain vocabulary, trying to find a word that should be right at the tip of your tongue? Struggles with language retrieval are often an early sign of memory loss due to degraded neural pathways in key centers of the brain.
Trouble Staying Focused on Tasks
Easy distraction, leaving things partly finished, and a lack of motivation are all key indicators that cognitive decline are happening. Adults with ADHD know the struggle of losing focus mid-task, but for older adults this can be a sign of something more serious.
Social Withdrawal or Mood Changes
Even if memory is sharp and attention is strong, sudden changes in mood or social preferences can indicate cognitive changes. These things may be subconscious. But maybe the brain is getting overwhelmed by the thought of keeping up in normal life. Maybe there is an underlying frustration that is causing mood changes. It’s hard to tell, but it is a sign to watch for if you are concerned about memory loss.
Easily Getting Turned Around or Lost (Even in a Store)
Loss of spatial awareness can cause older adults to get easily lost, even in a closed environment like a store. You may think about this in regards to driving or travel, but on a smaller scale this loss of confidence is just as important to note. If you or a loved one frequently forgets where they park, wander stores aimlessly, frequently miss your exit while driving, or struggle with directions, it could be a sign of cognitive decline beginning.
What Do You Do When You Notice Signs of Memory Loss?
If you suspect a family member or yourself to be dealing with some level of memory loss or cognitive issues, it’s important to talk to your doctor quickly. Early intervention is key to prevent faster decline, and there are medical reasons for memory loss that should be addressed.
Strengthening cognitive skills as an adult is an important piece in protecting your brain function as you age, too. Research shows that mental stimulation is one of the biggest factors in protecting your brain as you age, and brain training’s targeted approach offers some unique benefits. These are things like:
- Stronger focus, ability to tune out distractions, and multitasking
- Improved memory and faster recall because of new neural connections that are formed
- Better visual-spatial awareness and targeted training to improve this skill
- And more.
If you want to learn more about the research on brain training in older adults, click here. If you’d like to have a conversation about how brain training may serve you or your family, we’d love to chat! Contact us here today to learn more.
