Healthy Aging and Brain Health: Why Memory Changes Deserve Attention
Written by:
Lindy Fields, PhD, ABPP-CN
Clinical Neuropsychologist at Minder Memory Center
September is both Healthy Aging Month and World Alzheimer’s Month — two reminders that living well as we grow older means caring for more than just our bodies. Brain health is an essential part of healthy aging, yet it’s often overlooked until memory problems become disruptive.
The truth is, everyone experiences occasional forgetfulness. Misplacing your keys, forgetting a name, or losing track of an appointment once in a while can be a normal part of aging. But when memory lapses start to interfere with daily life, work, or relationships, it may be a sign of something more.
Normal Changes vs. Concerning Symptoms
Normal Changes vs. Concerning Symptoms
Typical age-related changes:
Occasionally forgetting names but remembering them later
Sometimes misplacing items
Taking longer to learn new things
Warning signs that deserve evaluation:
Difficulty managing bills, medication, or daily routines
Repeating the same questions or stories
Getting lost in familiar places
Noticeable changes in mood, personality, or decision-making
Why Neuropsychological Evaluation Matters
When memory concerns arise, families often wonder: Is this normal aging? Stress? Depression? Or something more serious, like dementia?
A neuropsychological evaluation provides clear answers. Through structured testing, neuropsychologists assess:
Memory and learning
Attention and processing speed
Problem-solving and language skills
Emotional and behavioral health
The results help distinguish between normal changes, mental health conditions, and neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Why Neuropsychological Evaluation Matters
Proactive Steps for Brain Health
Even before symptoms appear, there are proven ways to support brain health as we age:
Follow the MIND diet
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
Follow the MIND diet
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
Follow the MIND diet
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
Follow the MIND diet
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
Follow the MIND diet
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fish.
Clarity Brings Peace of Mind
For individuals and families, uncertainty about memory changes can be stressful. A neuropsychological evaluation doesn’t just provide a diagnosis — it offers a roadmap. Results guide treatment, support, and planning for the future, giving families peace of mind.
At Minder Memory, our licensed neuropsychologists make evaluations accessible and timely. Instead of waiting 9–12 months for answers, patients can be scheduled virtually in weeks.
Clarity Brings Peace of Mind
This September
Healthy aging is about more than living longer — it’s about living well. If you or a loved one are noticing changes in memory, now is the time to seek clarity. Early detection and proactive support can make all the difference.
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