Addressing Memory Lapses and Cognitive Changes

It’s common for people to misplace keys or forget names and immediately worry about possible early signs of dementia. However, experts in neuroscience clarify that many early cognitive issues might actually be reversible, especially if tackled early on.

Dr. Tommy Wood, a pediatrics and neuroscience professor at the University of Washington, explains that minor forgetfulness often arises from stress or fatigue, rather than indicating the onset of a neurodegenerative condition. “For most individuals, it’s just that you’re tired or stressed and not fully focused,” he mentioned during the Strong New York fitness and wellness festival.

“To remember something, you really have to focus and pay attention. It’s like telling your brain, ‘Hey, this is important—remember this,’” he added.

Understanding How Memory Works

According to Wood, memory formation involves three main stages: you first encode the memory, then consolidate it, and finally retrieve it. When someone is stressed or not well-rested, the problem typically lies in retrieval. The memory is there, but accessing it becomes difficult.

On the other hand, during neurodegenerative diseases, people often struggle to even encode memories initially. “They may not even realize something is off,” Wood pointed out. “If you find yourself feeling like something isn’t right, that’s often a good indicator.”

Identifying Preventable Risk Factors

Dementia is characterized by significant cognitive impairment that hampers a person’s ability to live independently. Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia account for the majority of dementia cases, with many affected by both. Studies suggest that lifestyle changes could potentially prevent at least half of the dementia cases.

Key preventable factors include issues related to heart and metabolic health as well as sensory losses, such as hearing and vision problems. Wood underscores the importance of addressing these physical health concerns—like getting hearing aids or having cataract surgery—as they can directly lower the risk of cognitive decline.

“If you expect cognitive decline, you might not take the actions necessary to prevent it from getting worse. Having the belief that improvement is possible encourages engagement in preventative measures,” Wood stated.

Common Reversible Causes of Cognitive Symptoms

Wood’s emphasis on reversible cognitive issues aligns with recommendations from reputable healthcare institutions, which suggest that various treatable medical conditions can masquerade as early symptoms of dementia. Some common reversible causes include:

• Vitamin deficiencies: Low levels of crucial vitamins like B12 or B1.
• Endocrine issues: Conditions like hypothyroidism that can slow down brain metabolism.
• Medication side effects: Interactions from certain medications in older adults.
• Mental health issues: Conditions like depression and severe anxiety lead to “pseudodementia,” a reversible state of cognitive slowing that typically resolves with proper treatment.
• Metabolic and kidney problems: Issues such as chronic kidney failure or electrolyte imbalances that affect brain chemistry.

Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of taking action early if individuals notice changes in cognitive function, such as experiencing brain fog. “How your brain operates daily reflects everything it’s handling,” Wood remarked. “But if you start detecting changes, don’t hesitate to make necessary adjustments.”