Cognitive decline: Early warning signs and prevention

Cognitive decline is often a natural part of aging, but changes in the brain's frontal lobe—responsible for executive functions like planning, organization, and attention—can signal the need for medical consultation.

Ben Parris, a professor of cognitive neuroscience at Bournemouth University, identifies specific early warning signs. One indicator is a decreased ability to multitask or switch between tasks, such as difficulty holding a conversation while preparing a meal. This is linked to a decline in cognitive flexibility. Another potential sign involves difficulty with language, such as omitting words from sentences. While these symptoms do not necessarily indicate dementia, their frequent occurrence or worsening should be discussed with a healthcare professional.