As I take on a rite of passage as an adult…taking care of an elderly grandmother with dementia, I wanted to share a bit more about preventing cognitive decline. This is a joint task that my brother & I (and our families-spouses and kids) will share for the rest of her life. She won’t remember it, she has moderate to severe dementia.
Of those aged 65 and older, 10 to 20 percent have mild cognitive impairment. In addition, women have more than a 1 in 6 chance — and men have a 1 in 11 chance — of developing Alzheimer’s during the remainder of their lives.¹
There are three basic forms of cognitive decline associated with aging:
Age-related changes in memory are a natural consequence of aging.
Mild Cognitive Impairment involves mild memory loss, such as forgetting important events or appointments, or an inability or difficulty with finding the right word in a conversation.
Dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease, is a chronic, progressive, irreversible and comprehensive cognitive impairment that may affect daily functioning.
There are a range of risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline, including:
Increased age
Genetic predisposition
Smoking
Excessive use of alcohol
Physical and mental inactivity
Chronic stress
Medical conditions, such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and hardening of the arteries
Low social involvement
Strategies to Help Prevent Cognitive Decline
Intellectual Stimulation
Reading, learning a musical instrument, and playing cards or board games are all activities that stimulate the brain and may reduce cognitive decline.
Exercise
Staying physically active can improve your mood, reduce stress, and help eliminate some of the medical conditions that are risk factors.
Low-Fat Diet
A nutritious diet, low in fat, may help reduce contributory risks such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, hardening of the arteries, and high cholesterol.
A Sound Night’s Sleep
It’s normal for sleeping difficulties to emerge with age, but insufficient sleep can impair memory and learning. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can help. However, if you have a sleep disorder, consider seeking qualified assistance.
Stay Social
Staying engaged with friends and family stimulates the brain. If you live alone or have limited social ties, look to build up contact with neighbors and social groups.
Talk to Your Doctor
It’s best not to self-diagnose or treat yourself if you think you are suffering from cognitive impairment. Visit your doctor to explain your symptoms and let him or her assess your condition and recommend the necessary treatment and counseling.
Alzheimer’s Association, 2015
The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright 2016 FMG Suite.


About Your Columnist

Windus Fernandez Brinkkord is a featured columnist for Women Lead, the official blog of Connected Women of Influence, where she covers the intersection of women in business and managing their investments and taking charge of their financial future. Currently, Windus is Senior Vice President of Investments with Trilogy Financial Services, a financial services company that focuses on helping business owners and individuals build and manage wealth.


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