Key Takeaways

Ever since President Joe Biden’s June debate with Donald Trump, many Americans have wondered if hishalting gait, slow responses, and difficulty staying on topic might indicate cognitive decline.

Experts say it can be hard to distinguish cognitive decline from normal slowing due to aging. However, neurologists and psychologists can help determine this through in-person assessments based on questions and lab tests.

“It may be nothing at all, it may be a treatable condition such as an infection, or it could be early signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease,” Jason Krellman, PhD, a neuropsychologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, told Verywell.

A condition likeurinary tract infection (UTI)or ministroke can also lead to memory impairment or confusion in older adults, but proper treatment can often resolve these cognitive issues.

Krellman said it’s important to speak to your doctor if you’re worried about cognitive function in yourself or a loved one. A healthcare provider can conduct a cognitive assessment.

Cognitive Decline Symptoms in Young and Older Adults

What Are the Signs of Cognitive Impairment?

Memory loss that disrupts daily life could be a symptom ofdementiaor Alzheimer’s disease, saidMaria C. Carrillo, PhD,Alzheimer’s Association chief science officer and medical affairs lead.

“Some memory changes can be a normal part of the aging process, but when changes start to interfere with daily living or stray drastically from the person’s normal behavior, it’s best to get it checked," Carrillo told Verywell.

These are the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia that warrant a discussion with your doctor, according to the Alzheimer’s Association:

“Now more than ever, early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia is critically important,” Carrillo said. “There are now FDA-approved treatments targeting the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and more are in development. Early and accurate diagnosis will help determine eligibility for current and future treatments.”

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What Cognitive Testing Entails

Your doctor will evaluate your overall health and identify any conditions that could affect how well yourbrainis working. When talking to your primary care physician about cognitive problems, ask how familiar they are with diagnosing dementia and whether there are circumstances in which they would refer you to a specialist.

Carillo said there is no single test that can determine if a person is living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Physicians use physical assessments, diagnostic tools, and medical history to make an assessment. This can include:

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What This Means For YouIf you or a loved one are experiencing signs of cognitive impairment, such as memory loss or difficulty completing daily tasks, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Early assessment and diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and access to treatments.

What This Means For You

If you or a loved one are experiencing signs of cognitive impairment, such as memory loss or difficulty completing daily tasks, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider. Early assessment and diagnosis can lead to better management of symptoms and access to treatments.

2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kteich Y, Ftouni H, Hamdar H, Sapoor S.Unlocking the pathological pathway in urinary tract infection-induced brain fog: a literature review.J Med Res Rev. 2024;2(2):49-55. doi:10.5455/JMRR.20240305101602Alzheimer’s Association.Medical tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

2 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kteich Y, Ftouni H, Hamdar H, Sapoor S.Unlocking the pathological pathway in urinary tract infection-induced brain fog: a literature review.J Med Res Rev. 2024;2(2):49-55. doi:10.5455/JMRR.20240305101602Alzheimer’s Association.Medical tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Kteich Y, Ftouni H, Hamdar H, Sapoor S.Unlocking the pathological pathway in urinary tract infection-induced brain fog: a literature review.J Med Res Rev. 2024;2(2):49-55. doi:10.5455/JMRR.20240305101602Alzheimer’s Association.Medical tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

Kteich Y, Ftouni H, Hamdar H, Sapoor S.Unlocking the pathological pathway in urinary tract infection-induced brain fog: a literature review.J Med Res Rev. 2024;2(2):49-55. doi:10.5455/JMRR.20240305101602

Alzheimer’s Association.Medical tests for diagnosing Alzheimer’s.

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