12 Subtle Signs Of Cognitive Decline You Don’t Want To Ignore

APOE gene variationDown syndromeType 2 diabetesDepressionHigh blood pressureMidlife obesitySmokingLack of mental activityLack of physical activityUnhealthy dietPoor sleep healthInsufficient vitamin D levels

Forgetting recent events: While losing your keys, blanking on the name of a restaurant you love, or struggling to remember the title of a book you recently read is normal for people in all stages of life, forgetting about an event that happened in the recent past is cause for concernRepetitive questioning: Asking you the same questions, especially within the same conversationDifficulty planning or problem-solving: Struggling to complete familiar tasks—such as paying bills, using your cell phone, or making a recipe you’ve used for yearsConfusing times and places: Losing track of dates (beyond the normal “oh my goodness, how is it Friday already?!”) and/or trouble remembering or understanding an event coming upLack of visual and spatial awareness: Misjudging distance, struggling to keep your balance, tripping, or dropping or spilling things more than usualMixing up or struggling to remember common words: Difficulty following and participating in conversations or recalling familiar words (such as “clock,” “stove,” or “hat”)Misplacing items & finding them in random places: Think putting your car keys in the freezer or your reading glasses in the microwavePoor judgment or discernment: Falling for scams, struggling to manage money, or having difficulty taking care of a pet properlyWithdrawing from social activities: Not wanting to attend church, work, sports games, or other highly social events due to lack of interest or difficulty keeping up with what’s happening around youDistinct changes in mood or personality: Getting easily irritated or upset by things that are common and familiar, or being fearful or suspicious of people or activitiesGetting lost in familiar places: Struggling to navigate places you frequently visit (and have for years)—such as the post office, grocery store, pharmacy, or your neighborhood Having trouble taking care of yourself: Finding it difficult to maintain proper hygiene or a healthy diet

Visit your doctor regularly to monitor changes in your brain healthTake a high-quality memory supplement with science-backed ingredients (such as citicoline—a nootropic bioactive that has been shown to improve cognitive impairment)Maintain a healthy body compositionManage your blood pressure & blood sugar levelsEngage in physical activity on a regular basisEat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet full of brain-healthy foodsGet adequate, restful sleepStay socially active—find purpose in community events and activitiesAvoid smoking