Introduction
As we age, our bodies and minds can start to show signs of wear and tear. One of the most common age-related conditions is dementia, which can cause a range of symptoms that can be difficult to spot. For those over 50, it’s important to be aware of the silent symptoms of dementia, as early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the condition. In this article, we’ll look at some of the silent symptoms of dementia that over 50s need to know, as well as some tips on how to eat for better brain health.
Silent Symptoms of Dementia Over 50s Need to Know — Eat This Not That
As we age, our brains can start to show signs of dementia. While some of the symptoms are obvious, there are some that are more subtle and can be easily overlooked. It’s important to be aware of these silent symptoms of dementia so that you can take steps to protect your brain health.
1. Memory Loss
One of the most common signs of dementia is memory loss. This can range from forgetting small details to not being able to remember recent events. If you find yourself forgetting things more often than usual, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
2. Difficulty Concentrating
Another symptom of dementia is difficulty concentrating. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as difficulty focusing on tasks or being easily distracted. If you find yourself having trouble concentrating, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
3. Trouble with Language
Another symptom of dementia is difficulty with language. This can include difficulty finding the right words, difficulty understanding conversations, or difficulty following instructions. If you find yourself having trouble with language, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
4. Poor Judgment
Another symptom of dementia is poor judgment. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as making poor decisions or taking unnecessary risks. If you find yourself making poor decisions, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
5. Changes in Mood or Personality
Another symptom of dementia is changes in mood or personality. This can include sudden outbursts of anger or sadness, or a sudden change in behavior. If you find yourself having sudden changes in mood or personality, it’s important to talk to your doctor.
Eat This, Not That
When it comes to protecting your brain health, it’s important to make sure you’re eating the right foods. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help protect your brain health. It’s also important to limit your intake of processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats. Eating a healthy diet can help reduce your risk of developing dementia.
Knowing the symptoms of dementia—which affects 5.8 million Americans—is key in early treatment, experts say. “We don’t diagnose Alzheimer’s until the brain has degenerated to the point of dysfunction… that has to change,” says Rudolph Tanzi, a neuroscientist at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the McCance Center for Brain Health at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Once you have symptoms, the brain is on fire with neuroinflammation. We have to become as proactive about Alzheimer’s disease as we are about heart disease, diabetes and other age-related diseases.” Here are five silent symptoms of dementia all seniors should be aware of. Read on to find out more—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss Already Had COVID? These Symptoms May “Never Go Away”.
Memory loss and confusion—known as mild cognitive impairment—are often the earliest signs of dementia, and should never be ignored. “The most common sign is a memory problem, and it’s usually episodic, meaning that it’s hard to remember events in your life, past and present,” says Dr. David Caplan, professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School.
“Everyone has these experiences sometimes, but if they frequently happen to you or someone you love, they may be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease,” says Dr. Scott M. McGinnis, a neurologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Unexplained changes in mood and personality could be a sign of dementia, doctors warn. “Observational studies have found that people with these behavior changes are more likely to develop cognitive issues,” says Dr. Seth Gale, a neurologist with Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “It may be that these changes are a reflection of early development of plaques and tangles, but this is not entirely clear. Still, it’s a good idea to have symptoms like these checked out by your doctor.”
People with a family history of Alzheimer’s are more likely to develop the disease themselves, doctors say. “This doesn’t mean you will get Alzheimer’s, but it puts you at a higher risk, and you should be more aware of the early signs and symptoms,” says Dr. Gale.
Dementia can be detected early, using methods such as cognitive screening tests. “The earlier we diagnose a patient, the better the options we have to treat their symptoms,” says neurologist Douglas Scharre, MD. “We have numerous treatments that can slow cognitive decline, but they’re more effective the sooner we can begin deploying them.”
“Your doctor will conduct a series of tests to determine the severity and cause of your symptoms,” says Dr. Scharre. “These may include brain-imaging tests or other lab tests. Your doctor will also work to rule out other possible causes, such as previous strokes or Parkinson’s disease. Doctors might also speak with family members to determine whether your behavior has changed recently, or to assess the frequency of symptoms.” And to protect your life and the lives of others, don’t visit any of these 35 Places You’re Most Likely to Catch COVID.
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