The Big Question I Ask Myself Each Day

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I find myself struggling to remember things lately. Why did I walk into this room? What’s the next word in this song? Did I already tell this story? These moments are brief, and typically, sooner rather than later, I can recall whatever it is that I had forgotten. Still, it frightens me. It’s another symptom of aging that hits me like a truck out of nowhere. This one really scares me, Girlfriends. I can’t help but wonder, am I actually losing my mind? Is this early Alzheimer’s, “normal aging,” or somewhere in between the two?

While I know a trip to the doctor is the next best step, I reached out to a few professionals to get the 411 on brain health in midlife. Dr. James Hook, a wellness professional at Neurogan Health, assured me that “while worrisome, memory loss is often a normal part of aging. It doesn’t [necessarily] mean you have dementia or Alzheimer's.”

As it turns out, memory loss is to be expected in your mid-40s and early 50s. Just as the body ages and slows in its own way, so does the brain. “We may find it more challenging to recall one of the many events or memories we’ve had in our lives,” says Dr. Hook. “That, or we may misremember occasions, both of which happen naturally with age.”

Dr. Mindy Goldman, Chief Clinical Officer from Midi Health, points out that brain fog is a common symptom for women navigating midlife hormonal transitions. “In fact, nearly two-thirds of women report cognitive changes during the menopausal transition.” This would explain intermittent and fleeting moments of forgetfulness.

But just as we can aid our body’s natural aging process with fitness, nutrition and supplements, there are things we can — and should — do to nurture and promote our brain health.

Here’s what you need to know:

Know the Red Flags of Cognitive or Memory Impairment

Dr. Goldman says, “Typical complaints include difficulties with word retrieval, some forgetfulness, poor attention, decreased focus or feeling less mentally clear.” However, if it happens more and more frequently or is combined with forgetting new information and/or past events, “it could be something more serious and should be evaluated.”

Brain fog is very different from true cognitive loss or memory impairment. It can be hard to differentiate between the two, but it’s important to know that “cognitive loss is a medical disorder where there is a decline from a previous level of functioning,” she adds.

If memory loss interferes with your daily functioning and independence, it’s likely cognitive loss. Warning signs that you are dealing with something beyond normal brain aging are more serious and include “things like getting lost on your way home, difficulty completing common tasks like bill paying, having trouble following or joining a conversation, withdrawing from social activities, and changes in mood or personality.”

If you aren’t sure where your symptoms fall, it’s best to seek medical advice. It’s also a good idea to keep a journal to document memory lapses, confusion, and forgetfulness.

Practice Good Head-to-Toe Health

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms of memory loss or not, it’s a great idea to start practicing consistent brain health.

Dr. Nathan Price, Chief Scientific Officer at Thorne, puts sleep at the top of the priority list. “Implementing a daily regimen for exercise and healthy sleep helps people stay on track. It can be as simple as a long walk in the morning or evening and adhering to a routine bedtime.”

Things that are good for your body are also good for your brain — like eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. “Foods with a plentiful omega-3 fatty acid and choline content, and leafy greens with vitamin K, lutein and folate are important. And almost all berries are a great source of flavonoids that can help maintain memory.” If you aren’t getting enough of the right nutrients from your regular diet, be sure to supplement with vitamins B12, D, E and omega-3.

Limit alcohol and caffeine and keep that brain active through socialization and brain games. Wordle, Connections, Sudoku and a daily crossword puzzle may help keep your brain sharp and focused.

Visit a Professional

Don’t let fear keep you from visiting your doctor. The sooner you’re evaluated and start talking about your symptoms, the closer you are to treating them. You can expect your primary care physician to “review your medical history, make sure that there aren’t any new medications started that coincide with memory loss, run blood tests and [possibly] recommend some form of cognitive testing,” says Dr. Price.

Try not to Google answers or details, as only a trained medical professional who is treating you can offer valuable input. Dr. Goldman explains, “Any concerning test results should lead to follow-up with a neurologist who will do further assessments."

If in doubt, let a medical professional take the lead. Dr. Hook says it could be normal aging, but “if you’re becoming more confused more often, having trouble following step-by-step directions, asking more questions, or having to repeat your questions, you may be having memory loss.”

Mild memory loss is part of aging, but if you’re suffering from all of these in conjunction, it may be time to talk to your doctor and a memory specialist.

 
Do you ever worry about your memory? Let us know in the comments below.