There are many changes that come with the aging process. When we experience physical changes, we know some of the sources, for example, the effects of gravity. It is therefore natural to want to know the reason when we experience mental changes or cognitive impairment causes.
What is Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment is when a person has trouble remembering, learning, concentrating, or making decisions. These changes may or may not start to affect your everyday life in Palm Harbor. This depends on the severity of the impairment. Minor changes in impairment may become noticeable to the person experiencing them. Family and close friends may notice changes also.
Stages
Cognitive impairment appears in stages. To begin with, it starts as “mild cognitive impairment” or MCI. MCI is the transitional stage between the expected age-related changes and the more serious cognitive decline of dementia. Difficulties are more noticeable as impairment increases. Eventually, activities of daily living may be affected.
What Causes Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment is not created by a single disease or a single There are, however, several conditions, resulting from changes in the brain, that may cause cognitive impairment. For example:
- Dementia like Alzheimer’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury
- Stroke
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Lewy bodies – clumps of protein in the brain
- Reduction or enlargement of certain areas of the brain
Read More: Computerized Brain Training can Help Prevent Dementia by 29% – 48%
Two symptoms that people experience, if cognitively impaired, are forgetfulness and confusion. In the same way, there are conditions that may bring about similar symptoms:
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Anxiety or Depression
- Hormonal imbalance
- Medication side effects
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Illness
Risk Factors
There are risk factors that may cause or contribute to cognitive impairment, such as age, genetics, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.
Be aware of medical conditions, for instance:
- High blood pressure
- High Cholesterol
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Depression
Furthermore, there are lifestyle factors to pay attention to like:
- Smoking
- Mental activity
- Physical activity
- Social activity
Some Signs to Look Out For:
If you are wondering if you have cognitive impairment, be on the lookout for poor memory, as well as:
- Feeling lost in familiar surroundings
- Losing your train of thought
- Feeling overwhelmed by decisions
- Close family or friend expressing concern
- Changes in mood namely irritability, depression, anger, anxiety
In Summary
There is a natural forgetfulness that occurs as we get older. Nevertheless, if you believe that you are experiencing cognitive impairment or mental changes that are more than just age-related, you are not alone. Brain Fitness Centers of Florida serve those in the Palm Harbor area, and we are here to help. We will work with you to determine the cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.
Read More : When is the Aging Brain More Than Just Aging?
Contact US
Call Brain Fitness Centers of Florida at 727-608-7378 or contact us on our website in order to gain more information or to schedule an appointment.
