Vermont Retirement Planners, LLC

54 Highland Avenue
Manchester Center, VT 05255
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 367-3958

87 North Main St.
Rutland, VT 05701
nick@vtretirement.com
(802) 772-7945

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

Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities

Extended Care: A Patchwork of Possibilities

What is your plan for health care during retirement?

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

What Is My Risk Tolerance?

This questionnaire will help determine your tolerance for investment risk.

What To Do When Your Income Reaches 7 Figures

What To Do When Your Income Reaches 7 Figures

Preserve your hIgh net worth with these foundational tips.

 

Have A Question About This Topic?







Thank you! Oops!

Don’t Be Your Own Worst Enemy

Emotional biases can adversely impact financial decision making. Here’s a few to be mindful of.

Saving on Subscription Service Costs

There are ways to improve your physical fitness without denting your fiscal fitness.

Filing Final Tax Returns for the Deceased

The federal government requires deceased individuals to file a final income tax return.

View all articles

How Much Home Can I Afford?

With a few simple inputs you can estimate how much of a mortgage you may be able to obtain.

What Is My Current Net Worth?

Use this calculator to estimate your net worth by adding up your assets and subtracting your liabilities.

A Look at Systematic Withdrawals

This calculator may help you estimate how long funds may last given regular withdrawals.

View all calculators

Principles of Preserving Wealth

How federal estate taxes work, plus estate management documents and tactics.

Investment Strategies for Retirement

Investment tools and strategies that can enable you to pursue your retirement goals.

Your Cash Flow Statement

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

View all presentations

When Markets React

When markets shift, experienced investors stick to their strategy.

Keeping Up with the Joneses

Lifestyle inflation can be the enemy of wealth building. What could happen if you invested instead of buying more stuff?

Timing Your Retirement

This short video illustrates why knowing when to retire can be a crucial part of your strategy.

View all videos