While experiencing cognitive impairment while someone is under 50 is rare, it can happen as the result of certain contributing factors. Since it isn’t always possible to reverse cognitive decline, doing what you can to prevent the loss of cognitive functioning is essential. This often involves making lifestyle changes early to protect your cognitive health before decline can begin to affect you. The following guide will help you learn more about this important health issue and its causes.
Cognitive decline is a general term that covers a wide range of issues and symptoms. These symptoms often start mildly. You might not recognize the signs in the early stages since a little forgetfulness or confusion can seem normal. As the condition worsens, the symptoms become more frequent and severe.
Cognitive impairment typically starts in one’s 50s or 60s, but it can also affect someone at a younger age. No matter when the condition starts, it will worsen over time.
Impaired cognitive functions include:
- Memory loss
- Poor concentration
- Impaired judgment
- Reduced reasoning/problem-solving skills
It can feel especially devastating to experience cognitive decline under 50 years of age. You can stave off impairment by taking action in your young adulthood. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent the following causes of early cognitive decline.
Hormone Imbalances or Deficiencies
While the signs of an HGH deficiency are subtle, you can recognize them. People who suffer from a hormone imbalance often have a chubby physique. They might also develop a prominent forehead or an underdeveloped nose bridge. When you have a hormone deficiency, your doctor might recommend visiting an HGH therapy clinic. Hormone replacement therapy can help alleviate the condition.
It’s especially important to treat the condition early since an HGH imbalance can affect cognitive health. Over time, it can inhibit memory and adversely affect processing and learning. Prompt treatment can keep the brain from suffering long-term damage when an HGH imbalance results from physical trauma.
Poor Physical Health
Your physical health can directly lead to cognitive decline since your brain relies on a steady influx of vitamins and other nutrients. If you’re not eating plenty of plant-based foods, you may have one or more vitamin deficiencies. In addition, consuming unhealthy processed foods introduces more contaminants into the blood. As a result, your internal organs, including the brain, suffer from increased inflammation, oxidative stress, and poor hormone production.
Fortunately, a poor diet is one of the easiest things to fix. Start slowly by introducing more plant-based foods into each meal. At the same time, replace processed meats with lean cuts of red beef, fish, and poultry. When you feel a craving for something sweet, eat fruit instead of reaching for the ice cream. Snacking can be healthy when you choose nuts and seeds instead of chips, popcorn, and other carbs.
Emotional Health Issues
Your emotional well-being can quickly lead to cognitive decline. This is especially likely if you’re not sleeping well. While you sleep, your brain works efficiently to process memories and regulate a variety of processes. Disrupted sleep patterns prevent proper memory storage and inhibit the functioning of critical parts of the brain.
If you’re not sleeping well, try adjusting your circadian rhythm. Reduce your consumption of stimulants six hours before your bedtime. Expose yourself to more natural sunlight during the day. In the evening, reduce your screen time. You’ll also sleep better by reducing ambient light and noise in your bedroom. Make sure your bedding is soft, comfortable, and clean.
Chronic stress can lead to a variety of emotional health problems. Often, unresolved stress leads to depression and anxiety. You can recognize chronic stress and related mental health issues by examining changes in your behavior. Often, symptoms of these conditions include frequent feelings of sadness, loss of appetite, and a loss of interest in activities. You might also feel fatigued and experience sleeplessness.
It won’t take long for stress, depression, or anxiety to cause physical changes to the structure of the brain. These physical alterations affect how the brain functions. It might not take long to suffer the loss of memories, reasoning, and concentration as a result.
By taking more time for yourself, you can eliminate stress and boost your emotional health. Practice yoga, meditate, or engage in daily exercise. All of these activities promote the production of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, which help counteract the presence of stress hormones. Engaging in enjoyable hobbies, playing games, and socializing with friends are other ways to boost your mental well-being.
Some people experience severe depression or anxiety. If relieving stress doesn’t positively impact your mood, you may need to consult your doctor. They might recommend HGH replacement therapy for a hormone imbalance or refer you to a therapist. In some cases, a combination of hormone treatment and therapy might produce more long-lasting benefits to your overall health. Always work closely with your doctor to treat your physical and mental health issues.
Take Care of Your Mind and Body
This overview demonstrates the strong link between cognitive health and physical health. Even a minor condition, such as a hormone imbalance, can lead to mental deterioration in your 40s and 50s. In addition to making lifestyle changes and using HGH therapy to treat a hormone imbalance, see your doctor regularly. Your healthcare provider can recommend more strategies for protecting your cognitive functioning.
