Every November, men around the world grow mustaches for Movember, a movement that raises awareness of men’s health issues such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. Together, they offer a timely reminder that a yearly checkup is about more than blood pressure and cholesterol.
But after 60, it’s also a good time to check in on the brain.
Many men put off doctor visits until something feels wrong, and memory concerns can be even harder to bring up. It is common to laugh off a forgotten name or misplaced keys as a “senior moment,” and some occasional forgetfulness is a normal part of aging. But changes that begin to affect daily life, such as repeating the same questions, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble managing bills or medications, deserve a conversation with a healthcare professional.
The good news is that brain health can be part of routine preventive care. Medicare’s Yearly Wellness Visit, for example, includes a check for signs of cognitive impairment. If memory has never come up with your doctor, the annual visit is a natural place to start. Bringing a short list of any changes you or your family have noticed, along with your current medications, can make the conversation more productive.
A thorough checkup after 60 also looks at the health factors that affect the brain indirectly. High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol can damage blood vessels, including those that supply the brain. Hearing loss, which is common among older adults, has been associated with cognitive decline, and addressing it can help people stay engaged in conversation and social life. Vision, sleep, physical activity, alcohol use, and smoking are also worth reviewing. A 2024 report from the Lancet Commission on dementia identified 14 potentially modifiable risk factors, and many of them are already part of a routine physical.
Mood matters too, which is why Movember’s focus on mental health fits so naturally with brain health. Depression, stress, and loneliness can affect concentration and memory, and men are often less likely to talk about them. Being open with your doctor about how you are feeling is part of protecting both your mental and cognitive health.
This is where a memory screening can help. A memory screening is a brief assessment, usually a short series of questions and simple tasks, that offers a snapshot of how memory and thinking are working. It is not a diagnosis. Instead, it serves as a starting point: a baseline to compare against in the future, or a reason to follow up with a physician for a fuller evaluation. For some people, a screening provides peace of mind. For others, it opens the door to earlier answers.
Earlier answers matter because memory changes have many possible causes, and some of them are treatable. Vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, medication side effects, sleep disorders, and depression can all affect memory and thinking. When changes are related to a condition such as mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer’s disease, earlier awareness gives individuals and families more time to plan, explore care options, and learn about research opportunities.
The Neuropsychiatric Research Center of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers offers free memory screenings to adults who want to learn more about their memory health. Those who are interested can also learn about clinical research studies focused on memory and brain health, though taking part in a study is always voluntary. To schedule a free memory screening, call 239-939-7777 or visit the center at 14271 Metropolis Avenue, Suite A, Fort Myers, FL 33912.
This Movember, whether you are growing a mustache or cheering on someone who is, consider adding a few items to your health to-do list. Schedule your annual checkup, ask your doctor about your memory, and consider a free memory screening. Taking care of your mind is one of the best ways to keep doing the things, and enjoying the people, that matter most.
Contact NPRC at 239-939-7777 today for your free memory screen.