We live in our own heads every day. Yet, recognizing signs that something is up with our brain health is challenging. In fact, someone's family and friends often express concerns about cognitive decline before they do.Still, it's essential to be aware of red flags that indicate trouble with memory. Some can occur in personal settings, like the shower. No one else knows how often you shampoo or whether you apply body wash or cleanser first."Being aware of changes in brain health can help catch early warning signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders," explains Dr. Joel Salinas, MD, the co-founder and chief medical officer of Isaac Health. "The earlier we recognize these changes, the more we can do to support brain function, slow progression and plan for the future. Brain health is just as important as heart health or mental health—and just as worth protecting and prioritizing."One way to monitor your brain health is to recognize subtle signs of cognitive decline, such as this early flag that begins in the shower.? SIGN UP for tips to stay healthy & fit with the top moves, clean eats, health trends & more delivered right to your inbox twice a week ?
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.
"Our brains thrive on routine," Dr. Salinas says. "When someone starts skipping steps in a habit they’ve done for years—like forgetting to use conditioner or not rinsing off—it could be a subtle sign of trouble with memory, focus or mental organization."Believe it or not, the brain has a lot to organize when you run through your shower steps."They require the interplay of multiple cognitive domains, like memory, planning, sequencing, judgment and physical coordination," explains Dr. Adel Aziz, MD, a neurologist with JFK University Medical Center.
Dr. Aziz says that difficulty with routine tasks suggests a possible breakdown in these processes, potentially cognitive decline.
Related: The Silent Symptom Most People Don’t Realize Could Be a Dementia Sign, According to Neurologists
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."
However, another expert also wants family members and friends to understand that some people may be making personal (lifestyle) choices. "It’s a matter of degree," says Dr. John Showalter, MD, MSIS, a board-certified internal medicine and informatics specialist and the chief operating officer of Linus Health. "A new retiree who decided he no longer wants to shave every day is not concerning. If the same retiree doesn’t shower for a week or stops getting haircuts because he no longer seems to care about his personal appearance, that can be an indicator of [mild cognitive impairment] and requires follow-up with a medical professional."Related: Thousands of Experts Agree That This Is the #1 Best Way To Keep Your Mind Sharp
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 timeRelated: People in Their 90s With a Sharp Memory Eat This One Food Every Day
What 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."
She explains that early detection can also help improve a person's quality of life, sharing, "Seeing a doctor early is important because some causes of memory problems can be treated. It also helps create a care plan if a long-term condition is found."
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 intakeFamily and friends can also help in these efforts and others."For caregivers, providing written instructions for care and breaking down complex tasks into simpler, manageable steps can facilitate daily activities," Dr. Aziz says. "Creating a comfortable, safe and reassuring environment for activities like bathing can reduce anxiety and resistance. Encouraging participation and offering limited choices can help individuals maintain a sense of control and dignity."
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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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