Brain health and physical health are both important, especially as we age. A recent CDC study found that people with one or more chronic health conditions were more likely to report worsening or more frequent memory problems, also called subjective cognitive decline (SCD).
Chronic health conditions included in the report were diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and kidney disease. SCD was most common among adults with COPD or heart disease, or who had had a stroke.
Worsening or more frequent confusion or memory loss, combined with chronic health conditions, can make it especially hard to live independently and do everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, managing health conditions and medicines, and keeping medical appointments. This may lead to worse health, and preventable hospitalizations or more severe memory loss or confusion.
In some cases, SCD may put people at greater risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Early diagnosis of memory loss is especially important for people with chronic health conditions. Getting checked by your healthcare provider can help determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are related to dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, or a more treatable condition such as a vitamin deficiency or medication side effects.
Currently, there is no cure for cognitive impairment caused by Alzheimer’s disease or other related dementias. Treatments for dementia, like medication, often have limited results.
Other types of cognitive impairment may be treatable, such as impairment due to medication side effects, vitamin B12 deficiency, and depression, where the cognitive issues resolve with appropriate medical treatment.
