Donald C. Reutemann CFP®, RPA, AIF®

(518) 688-2223

Lifestyle Read Time: 3 min

Avoiding Cognitive Decline

Of those aged 65 and older, 15 to 20 percent have mild cognitive impairment. People living with mild cognitive impairment are more likely to develop Alzheimers, and almost two-thirds of people currently living with Alzheimers are women.1

There are three basic forms of cognitive decline associated with aging:2

  • Age-related changes in memory, which are a natural consequence of aging.
  • Mild Cognitive Impairment, which involves mild memory loss such as forgetting important events or appointments, or an inability or difficulty with finding the right word in a conversation.
  • Dementia, which includes Alzheimer’s disease, is a chronic, progressive, irreversible and comprehensive cognitive impairment that may affect daily functioning.

There are a range of risk factors that can lead to cognitive decline, including:3

  • Increased age
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Smoking
  • Excessive use of alcohol
  • Physical and mental inactivity
  • Chronic stress
  • Medical conditions, such as diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol
  • Low social involvement

Strategies to Help Manage Cognitive Decline

Intellectual Stimulation

Reading, learning a musical instrument, and playing cards or board games are all activities that stimulate the brain and may reduce cognitive decline.

Exercise

Staying physically active can improve your mood, reduce stress, and help eliminate some of the medical conditions that are risk factors.

Low-Fat Diet

A nutritious diet, low in fat, may help reduce contributory risks such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.3

A Sound Night’s Sleep

It’s normal for sleeping difficulties to emerge with age, but insufficient sleep can impair memory and learning. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can help. However, if you have a sleep disorder, consider seeking qualified assistance.

Stay Social

Staying engaged with friends and family stimulates the brain. If you live alone or have limited social ties, look to build up contact with neighbors and social groups.

Talk to Your Doctor

It’s best not to self-diagnose or treat yourself if you think you are suffering from cognitive impairment. Visit your doctor to explain your symptoms and let him or her assess your condition and recommend the necessary treatment and counseling.

1. Alzheimer's Association, 2020
2. ClevelandClinic.org, 2019
3. MayoClinic.org, 2020

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

 

Related Content

Four Great, Unexpected Places to Raise a Family

Four Great, Unexpected Places to Raise a Family

Here are 4 great, and sometimes unexpected, places to raise a family.

A Brief History of Estate Taxes

A Brief History of Estate Taxes

Federal estate taxes have long since been a lucrative source of funding for the federal government.

How to Make the Tax Code Work for You

How to Make the Tax Code Work for You

When you take the time to learn more about how it works, you may be able to put the tax code to work for you.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Orchestrating Your Retirement Accounts

Getting the instruments of your retirement to work in concert may go far in realizing the retirement you imagine.

Healthcare Costs in Retirement

Without a solid approach, health care expenses may add up quickly and potentially alter your spending.

Five Most Overlooked Tax Deductions

Five overlooked tax deductions to help manage your tax bill.

View all articles

Paying Off a Credit Card

Enter various payment options and determine how long it may take to pay off a credit card.

Comparing Mortgage Terms

Estimate the total cost in today's dollars of various mortgage alternatives.

Annuity Comparison

This calculator compares a hypothetical fixed annuity with an account where the interest is taxed each year.

View all calculators

Managing Your Lifestyle

Using smart management to get more of what you want and free up assets to invest.

Your Cash Flow Statement

A presentation about managing money: using it, saving it, and even getting credit.

5 Smart Investing Principles

Principles that can help create a portfolio designed to pursue investment goals.

View all presentations

The Junk Drawer Approach to Investing

It's easy to let investments accumulate like old receipts in a junk drawer.

Saving for College 101

Here’s a crash course on saving for college.

Should You Tap Retirement Savings to Fund College?

There are three things to consider before dipping into retirement savings to pay for college.

View all videos