Am I Mentally Deteriorating if I Find Myself Making More Human Errors While Doing Math?

As an individual reaching middle age or older, it's natural to experience a slight decline in cognitive performance. Unlike physical attributes, such as running speed, mental abilities also diminish gradually with age. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that you are experiencing a significant mental decline.

Understanding Cognitive Decline

Human cognitive performance typically reaches its peak in the 20s and 30s. According to various studies, cognitive functions like memory, processing speed, and reasoning ability start to show a subdued decline as we age. This is a normal part of the aging process. Just as a 60-year-old wouldn't expect to run a 100-yard dash as fast as a 18-year-old, so too should we expect some reduction in mental abilities.

Common Misconceptions about Mental Decline

It's worth noting that when someone is mentally deteriorating, they are often not aware of it. This makes the condition challenging to identify, much like how someone experiencing a mental illness might not question their state of mind. However, because you are aware of the changes, it suggests that your mental faculties are still intact.

Factors that May Affect Cognitive Performance

There could be multiple factors at play when you notice an increase in math errors. Firstly, fatigue is a common culprit. If you are exhausted, your brain might not function at its best. Others include stress, lack of sleep, or simply being overwhelmed with problems. Take breaks, do something fun, and give yourself a break from the stresses of math problems. It's important to acknowledge the immense effort you are putting forth.

Addressing Concerns

If you are truly concerned about your cognitive abilities, it might be beneficial to consult a medical professional. A doctor can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine if there are any underlying health issues contributing to your perception of cognitive decline.

Gradual Nature of Age-Related Changes

At 46, you have experienced a gradual decline in cognitive performance, particularly in terms of raw computing ability. However, this decline does not necessarily affect your ability to excel in specific areas. For instance, you still have the capacity to perform well in high school math competitions or achieve a perfect score on the SAT Math section. These abilities can persist for several more years, though they may eventually fade away.

Errors and Perfectionism

It's common for anyone, regardless of age or intelligence, to make mistakes, even the world's top mathematicians like Terence Tao. Making errors is not a problem, but what matters is how you handle them. Getting stuck with small errors and not striving to improve your skills can be detrimental. Instead, try to focus on continuous improvement rather than perfectionism.

Optimism and Mental Resilience

Your perception of negative events as temporary and situational, rather than permanent and self-caused, is crucial. This mindset is known as optimism and has been associated with better mental health and success in life. Optimism can be cultivated, and a recommended course is the "Positive Psychology: Resilience Skills" course on Coursera. This course can help you learn how to manage negative thoughts and become more resilient.

Conclusion

In summary, while cognitive abilities may decline with age, it's essential to consider multiple factors before concluding that you are experiencing significant mental decline. Fatigue, stress, and lack of breaks can all contribute to increased errors. Consulting a professional and adopting a more resilient mindset can help you navigate these challenges and maintain your cognitive function.