Did you know cognitive decline can start as early as 40 years old? And the typical patient with Alzheimer’s symptoms is no longer elderly! In fact, it’s a 52-year old menopausal woman. Mind blown? Tune in for signs to look out for and preventable steps to take to ensure that your brain stays as healthy as possible for as long as possible. This week, Jenn is discussing cognitive decline and why we are starting to see it more commonly in adults as young as 40. Jenn explains what cognitive decline is, as well as the signs and symptoms that you may see when you start to experience it. She walks through the impacts that lifestyle habits play in cognitive function, and how the seemingly innocent things you are currently doing in your daily life may actually be impacting your cognitive future. Jenn provides some tangible things that you can start doing now to ensure that your brain stays healthy for as long as possible. Tune in to learn more!  The Salad With a Side of Fries podcast is hosted by Jenn Trepeck, discussing wellness and weight loss for real life, clearing up the myths, misinformation, bad science & marketing surrounding our nutrition knowledge and the food industry. Let’s dive into wellness and weight loss for real life, including drinking, eating out, and skipping the grocery store. IN THIS EPISODE: [11:29] What is cognitive decline and what are the signs of it?[15:12] What in our diets and lifestyle are causing cognitive decline?[18:10] How are memory challenges and focus challenges different?[19:18] What is the connection between body fat and brain volume or cognitive function? [23:41] How are toxins impacting cognitive decline, especially in menopausal women?[28:47] What are active, preventative measures we can take towards reducing/preventing cognitive decline? [34:28] How is the brain’s lymphatic system impacted by sleep?[36:15] What does low-glycemic impact nutrition have to do with cognitive decline? [38:46] Why should hydration be a priority? [39:26] Which minerals are essential for brain health?[45:05] What are the best actions to support your body in what it needs?KEY TAKEAWAYS: [16:04] Every human has progressive decline due to age and hormone changes. We can speed that up or slow that down, which happens through our lifestyle. [34:40] Good, quality sleep is crucial for brain health. Sleep promotes the elimination of debris in the brain. [47:38] Cognitive decline is real and looks like so many more things than we once thought. There are so many more factors involved than what we once believed. Start focusing on prevention, activity and awareness by at least 40 years old. QUOTES: [1:53] “It’s actually now recommended that we start working toward actively reversing and preventing cognitive decline by age 40.” - Jenn Trepeck[19:18] “Increase in body fat leads to a decrease in brain volume and cognitive function. Central obesity in midlife increases the risk of cognitive decline, so carrying that extra weight around the middle increases that risk, independent of blood glucose or cardiovascular comorbidities.” - Jenn Trepeck  [38:47] “Just a 2% increase in brain hydration can promote concentration, memory recall, and reaction time. Proper hydration is linked to productivity, healthy mood, and mental emotional balance. Cognitive function, sensory fitness, reaction time, and hydration status are all linked.” - Jenn Trepeck"This is no longer late in life and it is no longer unpreventable or uncurable in a majority of cases." - Jenn TrepeckRESOURCES:Debunking Detox EpisodeThe Body’s Daily Detox EpisodeUltimate BioHack - Sleep EpisodeBecome A Member of Salad with a Side of FriesJenn’s Free Menu PlanA Salad With a Side of FriesA Salad With A Side Of Fries MerchA Salad With a Side of Fries Instagram