7 Early Symptoms of Brain Decline that are Often Ignored

Illustration of brain function decline. (Freepik)

JAKARTA - As you get older or the pressure of life increases, your brain's ability can slowly decline. This is actually normal, but it is important to recognize the signs early so that they can be overcome immediately.

According to psychologist Sarah Garcia-Beaumier, Ph.D., sensations such as the brain feeling slow are usually more influenced by psychological factors. Increased stress, too many distractions, multitasking habits, and conditions such as anxiety or depression can be the main causes.

Normal aging can indeed make us a little slow to remember things (for example, forgetting a name, but remembering it later). However, according to neurologist (neurologist) Thomas Hammond, M.D., things like forgetting important conversations, appointments, or getting lost in a familiar place are more worrying.

Sometimes signs of a slowing brain seem trivial, such as often forgetting or having trouble focusing, but if it happens constantly, it could be a signal that the brain is not in optimal condition. Here are 7 early signs of a slowing brain that you need to be aware of, as reported by the Eating Well page.

Early Signs of Brain Decline

1. It is difficult to organize or follow many things

The part of the brain that regulates anxiety also plays a role in focus, planning, and decision-making. So if you are stressed or anxious, your thinking ability can also be disrupted. As a result, you find it more difficult to focus, process information, and store memories.

2. Often difficult to find words

Cognitive decline is often seen in the way we speak. Simple things like calling the name of an object actually involve many parts of the brain. The signs that often appear are forgetting simple words and then trying to explain them, starting to have difficulty following conversations, to being anxious when socializing.

As you get older, the brain's ability to form new cells also decreases. But a healthy lifestyle can help, for example, the consumption of blueberries, turmeric, green tea, and dark chocolate.

3. Not interested in things that used to be liked

Indifference or loss of interest is often considered normal (for example due to burnout), but this can also be a sign of cognitive decline. For example, no longer interested in reading, gardening, or other hobbies, easily giving up, and feeling that tasks that were easy before are now heavy. The problem is, the less stimulation, the faster the decline. The solution, try to keep doing things you like like music, art, sports, or nostalgia.

4. Personality changes

Small changes are often not noticed, for example, being more irritable, talking rudely even though they usually don't, withdrawing from social circles. People who used to be active in chatting can be more silent. This is often mistaken for shyness, although it can be an early sign.

5. Too often overthinking and worrying

The habit of overthinking makes the body constantly in 'alert' mode. This can cause symptoms similar to cognitive decline such as forgetting and difficulty focusing. If left unchecked, chronic stress can trigger mild inflammation in the brain and affect thinking ability.

6. Just sick or have certain diseases

Diseases such as flu, infection, or digestive disorders can make the brain feel 'sluggish' temporarily. Other conditions such as sleep disorders (eg sleep apnea) can also have an impact. Depression can look like dementia (called pseudodementia), with symptoms of forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, and low energy and motivation. Therefore, it is important to consult so that the diagnosis is correct.

7. Other people start to notice the change

Sometimes we ourselves are not aware of the changes that are happening. If people around you start to often comment on your forgetfulness or change, it can be an important sign. It's best not to ignore it and start taking steps.

How to Prevent or Slow Cognitive Decline

Although genes cannot be changed, lifestyle is very influential. Some things that can be done are eating healthy foods for the brain, exercising regularly, managing stress, staying socially active, and doing activities that challenge the brain. Don't just play games on your phone, try to vary it by reading, learning new things, or dancing.

If you start to feel your memory is declining, your brain feels slow, your daily activities are disrupted and others also start to notice the changes, you should immediately see a doctor. Sometimes the cause can be as simple as stress, but it still needs to be checked to make sure.