Cognitive Decline: What You Need to Know

Are You Slipping Away?

The signs of cognitive decline and what you can do to protect your brain health. If you're feeling like your cognitive abilities are declining, you're not alone.

Many people experience this as they get older, and it can be a scary and isolating experience. In this blog post, I'll discuss the different stages of cognitive decline, and what you can do to help protect your brain health.

I'll also share some tips for managing anxiety and depression, which can often be mistaken for dementia.

What is Subjective Cognitive Impairment (SCI)?

SCI is the first stage of cognitive decline. It's characterized by a subjective feeling of decline in memory, thinking, or concentration.

People with SCI may notice that they're having more trouble with tasks like paying bills, remembering appointments, or following directions.

What is Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)?

MCI is a pre-dementia stage that many people live in for a long time. People with MCI may have more noticeable cognitive problems than those with SCI, but they don't meet the criteria for dementia.

What Can You Do to Protect Your Brain Health?

There are a number of things you can do to help protect your brain health, including:

• Eating a healthy diet exercising regularly

• Getting enough sleep

• Managing stress staying socially active

• Engaging in mentally stimulating activities

• How to manage anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression are common symptoms of cognitive decline, but they can also be caused by other factors. If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, it's important to see a doctor to rule out other causes.

There are a number of effective treatments for anxiety and depression, including therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes.

Conclusion

If you're concerned about your cognitive health, there are a number of things you can do to help protect your brain health. It's also important to see a doctor to rule out other causes of cognitive decline. If you're experiencing anxiety or depression, it's important to seek treatment.

These conditions can often be mistaken for dementia, so it's important to get a correct diagnosis. I hope this blog post has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Read more:

How to Deal with Your Mother's Delusions Due to Dementia

Cognitive Decline: What You Need to Know

Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”