Feeling mentally sluggish? You’re not alone. Our brains evolve as we get older, but for some, those shifts are speeding up in unexpected ways.
Research backed by the National Institute of Mental Health found that teen brains aged roughly three years in just ten months of pandemic lockdowns. Brain scans reveal these changes clearly—this isn’t just a perception, but a biological acceleration.¹
The upside? Spotting the signs early could help slow things down. Here are 12 signals that your brain might be aging ahead of schedule.
1. Short-Term Memory Changes
One of the most common early signs of premature brain aging is subtle changes in short-term memory. You may find yourself forgetting where you placed items, struggling to remember why you entered a room, or having difficulty finishing tasks you started.
While some memory loss is normal during aging, significant short-term memory issues could be a red flag.
If you’re noticing persistent memory problems that interfere with daily life, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out underlying causes like dementia.
2. Difficulty Finding the Right Words
Another potential sign of premature brain aging is difficulty finding the right words in conversation. You may struggle to explain something, stop mid-sentence because you can’t recall a word, or have difficulty following along with conversations.
This symptom is often one of the earliest indicators of cognitive decline.
If you frequently lack words or notice that conversations have become more challenging, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
3. Struggling with Familiar Tasks
Have you had trouble completing everyday tasks that used to be second nature? Difficulty with familiar activities like following recipes, playing games with complex rules, or keeping track of bills and finances could point to premature brain aging.
This symptom often starts with more complex tasks before progressing to simpler ones.
As the brain ages, it becomes harder to learn new things and adapt to changes in routine. If you’re struggling with tasks you used to handle easily, it’s worth checking to see if there’s an underlying issue.
4. Confusion & Disorientation
Feeling confused or disoriented more often than usual is another potential red flag for premature brain aging. You may have trouble remembering faces, figuring out where you are, or knowing what day or month it is.
While occasional confusion is normal, persistent disorientation could indicate a more serious problem.
Confusion and disorientation can result from various factors, including changes in brain structure, reduced blood flow, and the accumulation of abnormal proteins.
If you or a loved one experiences frequent bouts of confusion, it is crucial to seek medical attention to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
5. Mood & Personality Changes
Premature brain aging can also manifest as changes in mood and personality. You may feel more irritable, anxious, or depressed than usual.
Some people also experience apathy, withdrawal, or other uncharacteristic behavior changes.
Suppose you’ve noticed significant shifts in your emotional state or personality. In that case, it’s important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional to rule out underlying causes and discuss treatment options.
6. Vision & Spatial Difficulties
Struggling with visual perception and spatial awareness could be another sign that your brain is aging too quickly. You may have trouble judging distances, distinguishing between colors and contrasts, or noticing objects in your peripheral vision.
These changes can make activities like driving more challenging.
If you’re experiencing vision problems or finding it harder to navigate familiar environments, don’t ignore these symptoms – talk to your doctor to determine the cause and potential solutions.
7. Repeating Yourself or Actions
Do you find yourself repeating the same stories, questions, or actions over and over? This repetitive behavior could be a red flag for premature brain aging.
You may tell the same story multiple times in a conversation or collect items obsessively without realizing it. Repetition can occur due to memory and executive functioning changes as the brain ages.
If you or a loved one are engaging in unusual repetitive behaviors, it’s important to discuss them with a healthcare provider to determine if further evaluation is needed.
8. Difficulty Adapting to Change
As the brain ages, it can become harder to adapt to new situations and changes in routine. You may feel more anxious or irritable when faced with unfamiliar circumstances or alterations to your daily schedule.
This inflexibility is a common sign of premature brain aging.
If you notice that you’re struggling to cope with even minor changes or feel overwhelmed by anything outside your usual routine, it could be a red flag for accelerated brain aging.
9. Withdrawal from Social Activities
Premature brain aging can also manifest as changes in social behavior. You may withdraw from activities you once enjoyed or avoid social interactions altogether.
This could be due to feelings of anxiety, apathy, or difficulty keeping up with conversations.
If you notice that you’re becoming more socially withdrawn or disinterested in spending time with others, it’s worth considering whether brain changes could contribute.
10. Changes in Sense of Smell
A declining sense of smell, known as anosmia, can be an early warning sign of brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
You may have difficulty detecting certain odors or distinguishing between different scents.
If you notice changes in your ability to smell, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor to determine if there could be an underlying brain-related cause.
11. Increased Impulsivity
Premature brain aging can sometimes manifest as increased impulsivity or poor decision-making skills.
You may find yourself acting on whims without considering the consequences or engaging in risky behaviors out of character.
If you notice that you’re having trouble regulating your behavior or making sound judgments, it could be a sign that your brain is not functioning optimally.
12. Fatigue & Low Energy
Finally, persistent fatigue and low energy can be warning signs of premature brain aging, especially if accompanied by other cognitive symptoms.
You may feel mentally and physically drained, even after a full night’s sleep or a day of minimal activity.
While fatigue can have many causes, if you’re experiencing ongoing exhaustion, memory problems, or other signs of mental decline, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out underlying brain-related issues.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
