If your elderly parent or loved seems to be increasingly confused, forgetful, and repeating themselves, you are naturally concerned. While memory loss may be a normal sign of aging, more significant changes in an older adult’s cognitive abilities may indicate a more severe problem. Here are the signs and risk factors of cognitive decline.

What is Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline happens when a person begins to develop problems with memory, language, thinking, and judgment skills. 

What Are The Symptoms of  Cognitive Decline?

Some of the warning signs of cognitive decline are:

• Forgetfulness
• Easily losing train of thought
• Overwhelmed with  making decisions
• Trouble understanding instructions
• Difficulty navigating familiar environments
• Impulsiveness or poor judgment

Risk Factors of Cognitive Decline

Some of the common risk factors of cognitive decline include but are not limited to:

• Increased age
• Having the gene APOE-e4
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Depression
• Lacking mental and social activities

If you believe your loved one is suffering from memory loss and other issues that point to cognitive decline, contact a physician as soon as possible for care. 

Ways to Prevent or Delay Cognitive Decline

While elderly adults are more at risk for cognitive decline, the following may help delay the onset of cognitive decline:

• Get regular exercise
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet
• Participate in social events
• Engage in mentally stimulating activities

Contact The Arbors Assisted Living Today

Watching a loved one lose their memory and ability to communicate is extremely difficult. Our staff is committed to providing your loved one with the best standard of care and quality of living in our communities. Contact us today to learn more about The Arbors Assisted Living and how we can help your loved one.