Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decline in Aging

Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by bendbro on Sunday July 30, 2023 @06:17AM (#36929674)

After my startup failed and I broke up with my girlfriend, my cognition massively changed: I was less creative, less quick, and I could see it reduce my ability to code. Otherwise, I lost libido, had paranoia in social interaction, and alcohol or marijuana would cause me paranoia. When I would ride my motorcycle on curvy roads, or when I would play a racing game or read a book, I couldn't get into a flow anymore. Thinking about activities would stress me to the point that I would avoid doing anything.

After a number of years I feel normal, and I think it was due primarily to finding and sticking to a routine. The routine involves little things like watering plants and making coffee, and I just do them every day without thinking. Otherwise it includes exercise, sleep, chores, work, and procrastination.

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by grumblehound on Sunday July 30, 2023 @06:32AM (#36929759)

I recently quit my dev job because it was too stressful and I was burning out. I seemed to almost instantly get better at thrashing my motorbike in the twisties... I'm not sure why exactly but it feels like a weight was lifted and it just allowed me to focus and enjoy being in the moment a bit more.

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by painted-now on Sunday July 30, 2023 @06:46AM (#36929825)

I had to finish up my PhD while already working at a FAANG. My professor would keep stacking more stuff that he wanted to have in my thesis. It was a horrible time and I think I was very close to a burnout.

One thing that I later noticed was that I e.g. couldn't enjoy any music anymore. I always used to be able to be absolutely amazed by some tracks and dance to it at home - but during that time there was just nothing.

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by Tycho on Sunday July 30, 2023 @08:12AM (#36930367)

That sounds like textbook depression (although you didn’t mention feeling down explicitly).

During that time, is there any chance you weren’t eating enough? Did you lose weight?

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by bendbro on Sunday July 30, 2023 @03:07PM (#36934793)

Yeah, I found too I wasn't eating enough. I estimates I was eating around 1500-2000 calories regularly and I never really felt hungry. Once I started forcing myself to eat larger meals I felt a lot better and started feeling hunger again.

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by inconceivable on Sunday July 30, 2023 @08:35AM (#36930547)

fyi, this can happen in a successful startup/business also. this happened to me when i was stressed out of my mind and stuck doing work i hate for customers i didn't want after 10 years of running a biz.

it took a breakup, a sale of the business, and nearly 2 years of doing nothing until i recovered.

fwiw, the biggest takeaways the whole thing taught me are 1. be careful of what you wish for and 2. attractive women want outcomes, they don't give a shit about your problems and 3. never forego vacations/holidays for work.

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by ilteris on Sunday July 30, 2023 @09:04AM (#36930772)

This is a refreshing comment to see here. Thank you.

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Re:Scientists May Have Found Mechanism Behind Cognitive Decl... by bendbro on Sunday July 30, 2023 @03:22PM (#36934940)

> it's time for a massive rapid change, without the period of suffering this time

I massively agree, though I will make the mistake of staying for money again. Whenever I see I can work 3 years at A for every 1 year at B, I can't stomach the loss.

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