KAREN’S KORNER
In continuing our discussion of safety issues for senior adults, one of the areas of major concern is that of cognitive decline. If you know of family members or friends who are experiencing cognitive decline, here are some helpful hints or ideas for you to consider.
Definition of Cognitive Decline: Cognitive decline in older adults refers to the concern of or difficulty with a person’s thinking, memory, concentration, and other brain functions beyond what is typically expected due to aging. Cognitive decline, also known as cognitive impairment, can come on suddenly or gradually, and it can be permanent or temporary. It can be scary for the person experiencing the symptoms as well as their family and friends.
First and foremost, get a medical assessment concerning the condition and seek a physician’s knowledge and understanding. The following is a list of possible causes of mental decline from The Healthy Aging Guide:
- Medication. Sedatives, tranquilizers, and anticholinergic medications are the most common types of medicine that interfere with proper brain function. Anticholinergic drugs block the chemical (neurotransmitter) released by nerve cells to send signals to other cells. This can affect muscle contractions in the body as well as learning and memory in the brain.
- Blood chemistry. Kidney or liver dysfunction can cause different types of imbalances in your blood chemistry, sometimes affecting brain function. Unusual blood sodium levels, calcium, and glucose can also affect your blood chemistry, causing cognitive decline.
- Problems with hormones. Imbalances in estrogen and other sex hormones may impact cognitive function.
- Vitamin deficiency. Low levels of vitamin B12, other B vitamins, and folate often affect brain function.
- Delirium. Delirium is a condition that includes confused thinking and reduced awareness of one’s surroundings. It is widespread in hospitalized older adults and can also occur due to infection or other health problems in older people who are not hospitalized.
- Psychiatric conditions. Most psychiatric conditions can cause problems with memory, thinking, or concentration. Depression and anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other forms of major mental illness are the most common contributing factors.
- Substance abuse. Overuse of certain substances (such as alcohol, drugs, or even prescription drugs) can impair brain function.
- Injury. Two main types of injury can cause cognitive decline. For instance, strokes can cause vascular damage to neurons. Head injuries can also create temporary or long-term cognitive decline.
Education and self-awareness are a necessity in dealing with cognitive decline. For further questions, call the Webster Parish Council on Aging, at 318-371-3056!