Skipping one or more of your normal shower routine steps, such as washing your face or hair, may be a symptom of cognitive decline."Forgetting parts of your usual shower routine, like using conditioner, can be a sign that your memory or focus isn’t working as well as usual," reports Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the Mind. "These small changes might seem harmless but could point to early brain health issues. When your brain struggles to remember everyday tasks, it may mean something deeper is going on."For many, a shower routine is almost automatic, like brushing your teeth (unsurprisingly, recent research indicates that poor oral hygiene is also linked to cognitive issues). So, when you constantly forget your daily dose of shampoo, it's cause for concern.
Dr. Aziz says that difficulty with routine tasks suggests a possible breakdown in these processes, potentially cognitive decline.
When Forgetting Personal Hygiene Steps Is a Cause for Brain Health Concerns
You may be wracking your brain trying to remember whether you applied lotion, as you usually do, in the shower. The struggle to remember may also throw you for a loop—is something wrong? Experts stress that even if you occasionally forget a shower step (or where you put your phone), it's not necessarily a red flag for brain health. "Occasional forgetfulness—such as misplacing keys or temporarily forgetting a name or getting distracted from a task—can happen to older individuals, especially if they get tired, are multitasking or are overwhelmed," Dr. Aziz emphasizes.Dr. Hafeez agrees—who doesn't forget things when they're tired or stressed? "If it starts happening often, it could be a red flag," she explains. "Repeatedly forgetting basic steps in your daily routine may point to changes in your brain. It’s especially concerning if others notice or if it begins to affect your daily life."
Forgetting steps in the shower repeatedly is only one symptom of cognitive decline. Dr. Aziz also suggests that people be aware of the following other red flags:
Forgetting things often or struggling to retain new information ("This can manifest as repeatedly asking the same questions," Dr. Aziz says.)Inability to perform familiar tasks, like getting dressed or meal preparationFamily and friends voice concernsPutting items in unusual or illogical placesMaking poor decisions, including neglecting personal safetyRapid mood swingsWithdrawalSuspicionAggressionBrief confusion about the day or week before quickly realizing the accurate date Getting lost in unfamiliar places but can figure out how to get backGetting lost in familiar places, like the supermarketConfusion about time, place and identity Losing track of the date, season or passage of timeWhat To Do if You're Concerned About Your Brain Health
Experts recommend expressing concerns about cognitive decline to a primary care doctor first."The doctor can do a basic checkup and may run tests to rule out other causes like vitamin deficiencies or medication side effects," Dr. Hafeez says. "If needed, they may refer the person to a neurologist specializing in brain health. A neurologist can do more detailed tests to understand what’s going on."
Dr. Aziz says a care plan for cognitive decline might include lifestyle tweaks like:
Regular exerciseEating nourishing foods, like the ones included in the Mediterranean Diet and MIND DietDeveloping new skills and pursuing hobbies that keep the mind engagedEngaging with families and friendsGetting enough sleepLimiting or eliminating alcohol intakeUp Next:
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Sources:
Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac HealthDr. Sanam Hafeez, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and the director of Comprehend the MindDr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist with JFK University Medical CenterImproving oral hygiene for better cognitive health: Interrelationships of oral hygiene habits, oral health status, and cognitive function in older adults. JAN.Dr. John Showalter, MD, MSIS, a board-certified internal medicine and informatics specialist and the chief operating officer of Linus Health Read More Details
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