While we’ve wondered for a while whether Joe Biden suffered from cognitive decline, his debate in June highlighted another issue: what cognitive decline actually looks like. It has many Americans wondering if they or their loved ones suffer from such decline, too.
Experts emphasize the difficulty in differentiating between typical aging and cognitive decline. However, through comprehensive assessments involving specific tests, physicians are well-equipped to make these determinations. According to Jason Krellman, PhD, a neuropsychologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, “It may be nothing at all, it may be a treatable condition such as an infection, or it could be early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.”
Symptoms such as short-term memory loss and challenges in completing familiar tasks are red flags that should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial, especially with the availability of FDA-approved treatments that target the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, chief science officer and medical affairs lead at the Alzheimer’s Association, stresses the importance of recognizing when memory changes become disruptive: “Some memory changes can be a normal part of the aging process, but when changes start to interfere with daily living or stray drastically from the person’s normal behavior, it’s best to get it checked.”
The Alzheimer’s Association outlines ten warning signs of cognitive impairment:
- Short term memory loss
- Difficulties with planning
- Confusion about time and place
- Vision problems
- Changes in mood or personality
- Difficulties with daily tasks
- Trouble understanding spatial relationships
- Problems with words when writing or speaking
- Misplacing things and not being able to retrace steps
- Withdrawing from social activities
Cognitive testing typically begins with a primary care physician who assesses overall health and any contributing factors. Depending on the complexity of symptoms, referrals to specialists like neurologists or psychiatrists might be necessary. These professionals employ a variety of tools, including physical exams, mood assessments, and cognitive tests such as the Mini-Cog or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, to diagnose dementia.
There’s a lot that you can do to protect yourself from memory loss, too. This includes focusing on a diet that’s free from neurotoxins, staying active, and even playing mind games.
