Mind matters: Understanding cognitive decline
When there are more distinct changes in working memory, concentration or even personality and mood, a person may be experiencing cognitive decline. This umbrella term is used to describe a decline in different aspects of the brain and thinking.
January marks Alzheimer's Awareness month, a time to raise awareness about the signs of cognitive decline and the resources available.
“When it goes beyond the normal signs of aging, or the changes become more noticeable, that’s the time to reach out for help for you or a loved one,” says Primary Care Network (PCN) Health Management Nurse Petrina Lee.
Signs of when you should consider seeking professional support for a family member include:
- Memory changes escalate and they’re not completing tasks as they usually would
- Mood is amplified — such as increased depression or anxiety
- Showing more impulsive behaviours and acting out of character
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A cognitive continuum
There is a range when it comes to cognitive decline. Someone with mild impairment might experience some memory loss, but their daily function is not affected. At the other end of the range, dementia, a general term that refers to more severe memory and functional loss, can affect things such as problem-solving, communication and day-to-day activities.
Connecting with a health care provider, even if the decline is slight is important. Lee says it’s OK to reach out if you have any concerns or something feels different when it comes to memory and thinking.
“You can even mention it at your next physical exam,” says Lee. “Then it’s on file and you have a baseline assessment to go from over the years.”
Mild cognitive impairment can sometimes result from reversable causes, putting some people at higher risk of developing dementia. Speaking with a family doctor can help rule out if other medical conditions are underlying the changes in cognition, such as intense stress, uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid imbalances or vitamin B12, says Lee.
For those seeing some changes in their loved ones, Lee suggests a gentle approach, outlining you’ve noticed concerns and think it would be good to be proactive by getting an assessment.
“It’s good to be honest with your loved one,” she says.
And, if you’re able to attend the appointment with your loved one, this can sometimes offer a helpful perspective to the doctor.
Early identification can also help people plan for the future. Organizing personal directives and a power of attorney can ensure a persons’ preferences are followed if they are unable to make their own decisions.
Managing your brain health
The advice for how to help keep the brain healthy is much the same as it is for the rest of the body.
“For brain health, we say, ‘Whatever is good for your heart is good for your brain,’” says Lee.
This can include:
- Reducing stress
- Staying in social contact with friends and loved ones
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing substance use
- Eating lots of vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats
- Physical exercise
- Managing pre-existing conditions
“We encourage you to do what you enjoy so it is sustainable,” says Lee.
Ensuring your ears are working properly is also an important factor in cognitive decline — something most people don’t think about.
“Hearing loss is associated with a greater risk of developing dementia,” says Lee. “When you’re not picking up all the different cues and inputs, the brain needs to work harder just to make sense of the sounds. This can also lead to a lack of interest or decrease in social engagement.”
So, having your hearing checked — and wearing hearing aids as needed — is an important thing to keep in mind.
Lastly, exercising your brain — through activities that bring you joy and are cognitively challenging— can also help combat cognitive decline. Learning new tasks, such as a different language or how to play an instrument, taking on creative projects and reading are all great ways to keep your brain stimulated.
Find support
If you or a loved one is experiencing cognitive decline, talk to your family doctor or primary care provider — they can help determine next steps and share PCN programs and services available in your area.