topic Re: Cognitive Health in Wellness

Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 02:53:31 GMT

I’m almost 60 and noticing my cognitive function isn’t as sharp; focus, mental energy , and creativity.
I have short times while exercising (walking) and morning coffee.
I work 5.5 hrs during school year and perform my job fine. Sitting at home I don’t have the brain enthusiasm like I use to.
I use to make list of projects and multitask morning to night.
Suggestions? Testimonials. Thanks

Re: Cognitive Health

Foxxee — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 03:36:32 GMT

Are you depressed?

Sometimes people say "no" to that question because they either don't know the symptoms or recognize they have them.

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 04:26:41 GMT

That's interesting you say that. I don't know, I've never been a "down" person. I am emotional. I use to cry ( movies / life events)

Nothing really excites me anymore. I use to have more hopes but after menopause my emotions have been more flat. (I did cry when my son got married) I think life disappointments contributes to having less enthusiasm.

I will share with my obgyn next month at my annual. ( side note I don't have a sex drive after menopause but don't want hormones cause I had breast cancer).

Was this tmi?

Re: Cognitive Health

FancyPhillyshopper — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 04:55:35 GMT

Assuming that physically you are healthy and are not suffering from any specific illnesses, this may be just a symptom of the world-wide stress we all are undergoing.

It sounds like you had a somewhat work-focused schedule and life, and all this down time is not providing the same level of physical activity and mental engagement.

I am not really sure your age has that much to do with it, as many people stay active and involved their whole lives up to even a century or more.

A lot of individuals also need purpose in life to feel that they are achieving. As we grow older we also start to look back more, trying to consider our past as well as think about our futures.

Create a "bucket list" of all the FUN things you would like to do, see, buy, accomplish, etc., and intersperse that with potential volunteer activities, community service and the must-do's.

Remember the saying that "variety is the spice of life." Take some risks, take a class and learn something new (ballet? French? car mechanics?), take up painting, start a journal, create a flower garden, try some new fashion or haircut styes, adopt a pet, and so forth.

This world is rich with opportunity and we only have a short time to enjoy, so live your best life!

Re: Cognitive Health

hckynut — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 06:45:59 GMT

@springers

I personally would seek a professional's opinion about this. A Psychologist or a Psychiatrist would be my choice. There are many things "it might be", but I am not one that believes in speculating, especially when it comes to anyone's physical or mental well being.

I have had my own experiences as an inpatient in a mental ward. Was diagnosed with Panic Anxiety Disorder and Clinical Depression. My symptoms started similarly to what you have described.

Food for thought!

hckynut(john)

Re: Cognitive Health

Desertdi — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 08:11:15 GMT

Sleep disorder? I worked graveyard for years, and can't break the habit. Sometimes, I wake up and don't know if it's day or night, or even what day of the week it is.

Re: Cognitive Health

Laura14 — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 12:41:54 GMT

@springers I literally just ordered one of Dr. Amen's books on feeling mentally healthy. It arrives tomorrow.

I have read up a lot on neurological health. I will tell you I did not have explicit cognitive issues but after reading and somewhat following Dr. Bredesen and his ketoflex lifestyle/diet program, I will never forget saying to myself one day while walking, wow, I am thinking really clearly now. I've done it for two years and I feel the best I ever have physically and cognitively.

There are lots of youtube videos on brain health and the latest science. PBS also has a lot of specials with Dr. Amen who is a psychiatrist and brain spect specialist that run pretty regularly. You can also google his tips and tricks and Dr. Bredesen's interviews and lectures if interested.

Lastly, have you thought about journaling? If it is just mood, sometimes getting it out helps lighten you all over.

Re: Cognitive Health

Laura14 — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 12:46:02 GMT

@springers One more suggestion for creativity. There is a famous book called The Artists Way by Julia Cameron which is part psychology and part creativity training.

Her method is a walk once a week, journaling every morning, and an artist play date also once a week where you do something fun. Highly recommend and easy to implement.

I've literally bought play doh and a few coloring books, sketch books, crayons, etc. It's amazing how simple stuff we did as kids relaxes you. No talent required.

Re: Cognitive Health

tends2dogs — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 13:01:10 GMT

@springers wrote:
That's interesting you say that. I don't know, I've never been a "down" person. I am emotional. I use to cry ( movies / life events)
Nothing really excites me anymore. I use to have more hopes but after menopause my emotions have been more flat. (I did cry when my son got married) I think life disappointments contributes to having less enthusiasm.
I will share with my obgyn next month at my annual. ( side note I don't have a sex drive after menopause but don't want hormones cause I had breast cancer).
Was this tmi?

Have you ever had your thyroid levels checked? The symptom of feeling "flat" is exactly how I feel when my levels are too low. In fact this was the symptom that got my PA to test me and start me on thyroid meds. It made a world of difference. Happiness, clarity, memory, all returned.

BTW Let me know what your obgyn has to say about the "drive" or lack of. That is me. I am fine with it, but....... I did bioidentical hormones for several years and I didn't see much difference in that area......if you know what I mean.

I would ask your obgyn to do a thyroid panel when you go in next month. I hope you can find an answer to this because it isn't a good way to feel.

All the best!

Re: Cognitive Health

JeanLouiseFinch — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 14:03:59 GMT

@springers wrote:
I’m almost 60 and noticing my cognitive function isn’t as sharp; focus, mental energy , and creativity.
I have short times while exercising (walking) and morning coffee.
I work 5.5 hrs during school year and perform my job fine. Sitting at home I don’t have the brain enthusiasm like I use to.
I use to make list of projects and multitask morning to night.
Suggestions? Testimonials. Thanks

@springers When I began living the Keto lifestyle a year ago, I learned about something called MCT oil. It’s great for feeding your gut and brain, as is the keto way of eating itself. I’m down 97 lbs. this morning and my health is better than it’s been in years. I have better focus, better mental clarity, am sleeping better, have more flexibility, you name it. MCT oil is tasteless. I add it to my coffee or salad dressing, but you can take it right off the spoon if you prefer. The only thing you can’t do is cook with it. If you decide to try MCT oil, ease into it as as too much too quickly will cause some tummy distress.

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 14:11:30 GMT

Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. I will look deeper at each one. I think it’s a combination of a lot of variables. Going into menopause, hormone levels (possible thyroid), not working (while working I was too exhausted to think about what makes me happy-I enjoy engaging w people at work), my other friends have mostly moved because of retirement or divorce, thinking about what is important in this next phase of life and realizing what use to excite me doesn’t anymore.
My husband and I want to travel in this next phase but that is being sidelined because of the pandemic.
I’m not alone and remind myself others are struggling but wanted to get others perspective.
I do need to find new interest as suggested.
I will respond after I speak to my PA.
Thanks, it’s nice to be able to share.

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 14:41:41 GMT

John (hockeynut), Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve always enjoyed your posts.

Re: Cognitive Health

Still Raining — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 17:30:08 GMT

Being mostly at home does no ones' mind any favors. We are also cut off from gyms and other classes. It helps me to be more active at home. There is always on line. Not the same, but it what we have.

It helps a mind to have an active body. Challenge DH to a softball toss, learn a new dance, or walk longer or more hilly.

Watch your diet too.

Re: Cognitive Health

on the bay — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 17:46:04 GMT

@springers

I think that is pretty normal within these times.

I'd like to say join the club that none of us want to be part of.

I think it is easy to get depressed or down when there is not much interaction or some of us could just be tired.

For me, I'm tired but am needed with help with family and I think feeling needed is really beneficial to how I feel.(but not needed too much all the time)

I have found lots of enjoyment with tv series, new and interesting things to eat (esp. from Trader Joes), reading favorite books, listening to many youtube music things, reading little news, just as much as necessary to not feel like an alien, and texting, calls, emails, zoom with friends and family and watching nature and wildlife outside.

Also these forums are nice (most of the time with most of the people).

Anyway, know you are not alone and don't feel bad you don't have lots of mental or emotional energy these days.

When you feel like it, I think it is nice to open a drawer or closest and re-assess what I don't want, but only when I'm passing it or feel like it lol!

I like St. John's Wort for when really sad or worried, and don't take it all the time, but that doesn't work for everyone. My daughter got a rash from it.

I think it may not be a good time to find new things to enroll in since so many present risks or are closed.

I hope you get lots of good ideas from others too!

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 17:49:20 GMT

I’m going to ask about prevagen

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 18:10:18 GMT

Thanks I will check into St. John wart. I think this is hormonal because it started with menopause (8 yrs ago) And the Pandemic exasperated it. Your right, feeling needed helps, that’s why I work. I just have to wait til August. Even though I get tired from working this shows me I shouldn’t stop right now. I just don’t have anything else to fill my time.
I walk about 1.5 on trails / hills ( only thing that excites me) I’ve redid my rock garden and created a nice sitting area . I have been active, it just takes more self motivation than before.
I don’t even like shopping( which was a huge addiction pre menopause)
When I started menopause my emotions were off the chart, crying and sadness. I’ve balanced but not to prelevels. Going through breast cancer last year (minor case) they check hormones and didn’t say anything was out of norm range.
We planned a flight to Boise in a few wks to get away, my husband needs a vacation since he’s been working. Floating in the river sounds relaxing. We want to check out possible retirement cities. We are masking and wearing gloves and bringing wipes.
I know we are all struggling.

Re: Cognitive Health

roster — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 20:32:42 GMT

It's aging. Not depression. Cognitive change is a normal process of aging has been well documented in the scientific literature. Some cognitive abilities, such as vocabulary, are resilient to brain aging and may even improve with age. Other abilities, such as conceptual reasoning, memory, and processing speed, decline gradually over time

Don't worry.

Re: Cognitive Health

roster — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 20:26:48 GMT

Don't rely on drugs! It's aging. Don't fall into the pharmacetical drug ads.

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 20:35:58 GMT

Roster, that’s what I think it is after 50 everything changed, vision, exercise recovery, (soreness) , joints, husbands hearing, memory, body changes.
I have never been good with change, I need to start reading about this.

Re: Cognitive Health

springers — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 21:25:28 GMT

Jean Louise
95 lbs! MCT oil sounds interesting.Its a saturated fat so not much is needed to get benefits. (Brain metabolism gut)