How To Spot Cognitive Decline In Loved Ones

Have you ever been a little worried by signs of potential cognitive decline in a loved one?

Maybe they've seemed a little more forgetful lately or perhaps they've asked you the same question repeatedly in a very short space of time. If you have noticed symptoms like this in someone close to you, it could be a sign that their mind is starting to fail them. 

Initially, symptoms of dementia may seem mild and could be passed off as brain fog, and while there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, many doctors have said that early detection leads to better quality management and treatment. With that in mind, here are some of the symptoms you should look out for, if you think your loved one is experiencing congative decline. 

Look, everybody needs a bit of time to learn new tasks and lessons, but if your loved one is struggling to pick up ANY new skills or learn ANY new lessons, it may be a sign that something is wrong. A common example is when someone struggles to learn how to use a new phone or a laptop. It’s totally normal to struggle with tech initially, but if it’s proving to be an impossible task, your loved one may need to consult a doctor. 

Obviously, people aren't expected to remember every conversation they have ever had, but if you noticed a loved one has forgotten recent chat you had with them, there could be something wrong.

It’s not unusual for blokes to occasionally retell tall tales to their mates. However, if you have noticed a loved one repeating stories to the same people, on the same day, this should probably set off some alarm bells.

Getting lost in a new place is totally normal. Getting lost in a place you regularly visit, though, is a red flag. If you find out that a loved one is getting lost in their hometown, suburb or during a routine trip to the shops, there is probably something wrong with their memory.

Is your loved one forgetting a recipe that they used to cook all the time? Are they forgetting to pay regular bills or struggling to remember how their finances work? If you notice a loved one is struggling to perform any day-to-day mental tasks that used to come naturally to them, it’s probably time that they speak to a doctor.

Some medications can cause memory issues, which is why doctors often ask people complaining of memory loss whether they are taking any medications. This is common with over-the-counter sleep medications, as well as certain prescription medications.

Likewise, hearing loss can be a factor in perceived memory loss, as the subject can’t necessarily hear what’s been said to them. That said, if you notice a loved one displaying any of the issues mentioned in this piece, you should consult a doctor immediately because early detection and treatment will prove beneficial to their long-term outcomes. 

If you are concerned that a loved one is at risk of cognitive decline, there are also a series of preventative measures they can take to help ward off dementia. These include exercising, socialising and doing brainteasers. 

Likewise, there is the MIND diet that some experts believe could help prevent cognitive decline.