Woman feeling the affects of memory loss

A Hidden Source of Cognitive Decline in the Young to Middle-Aged

Jan 23, 2025 by

Introduction: The Hidden Threat to Young People’s Brain Power & Memory

by Lisa Suzui

I’m writing this because I’ve been where you might be right now—feeling foggy, stressed, and struggling to keep up even though I was a successful marketing executive and was only in my early 40s. For me, it wasn’t just about feeling tired; it was about losing myself and I was way too young for this! At least that’s what I thought until I watched the same thing happen to my nephew Ethan, who was only 12 years old at the time.

I want to share this because what happened to us could be happening to you or your loved ones. And you might not even know it.

Have you ever stopped to consider how something as simple as breathing might undermine your mental sharpness—or that of your children? Modern science reveals an unsettling truth: improper breathing is a silent saboteur, stealing away focus, memory, and brain speed from the young and middle-aged alike. It’s not an affliction of the elderly, but a creeping menace that strikes during the most vital years of life.

Let’s explore how poor breathing affects your brain and why acting swiftly could protect both your future and that of your loved ones.

The Silent Risk to the Young and Middle-Aged

Improper breathing doesn’t wait for old age to wreak havoc. It targets the vital years of life, undermining intellectual and emotional well-being. Consider these risks:

1. Cognitive Decline in Youth and Adults

The effects of poor breathing often start early. It makes it harder to learn and remember things (Journal of Neuroscience, 2018 | Journal of Neurophysiology, 2019). What’s worse is that this imbalance can creep up on you. It’s not always obvious at first, but over time, it takes a toll (General Dentistry, 2010).

For kids like Ethan, it can interfere with how their brain processes information. Ethan struggled to keep up in class. His teachers noticed he was zoning out, and he started falling behind in his favorite subjects. His friends teased him about “always looking tired,” and eventually, he started withdrawing.

2. Mental Fatigue and Burnout

Even if you sleep enough, you can still feel drained. Poor breathing habits leave the brain under-oxygenated, leading to exhaustion and impaired focus (Journal of Neuroscience, 2016). Improper breathing triggers chronic stress responses, flooding the nervous system with hormones that impair cognitive performance.

For me, it was the little things that made me panic. Like spending ten minutes wandering a parking lot because I forgot where I parked. Or showing up to meetings on the wrong day. One time, I even called a client by my dog’s name. The more it happened, the more I started to doubt myself. “Is this what getting old feels like?” I thought. I was only in my 40s, but I felt like my brain was aging faster than my body.

3. Developmental and Structural Changes

For kids, poor breathing can even reshape their faces, leading to facial deformities such as elongated faces and recessed jaws. These changes not only affect appearance but also restrict airways, further compounding the cycle of poor breathing and cognitive decline (Cleveland Clinic).

This Problem Is More Common Than You Think

Think this isn’t something that affects you? A 2015 survey by the Breathe Right brand found that 61% of over 1,000 adults admitted to dealing with this issue (Healthline).

The scariest part? Most people don’t even know it’s happening. This kind of imbalance often starts when we’re kids. It becomes a habit that flies under the radar, quietly causing fatigue, stress, and even physical changes (Cleveland Clinic).

As Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University, explains:

“When your body isn’t getting what it needs, the brain prioritizes survival, not performance.”

This leaves you vulnerable to stress, emotional struggles, and cognitive decline, quietly stealing away the very things that make you feel like yourself (Healthline).

My Journey to Clarity

At 45, I felt like I was losing everything that made me feel accomplished. I missed meetings, forgot deadlines, and started questioning my abilities. I even joked with my husband that I needed a GPS for my brain. But deep down, I was scared. I remember thinking, “If this is what getting older feels like, how will I keep up?”

It wasn’t until I started paying attention to my breathing that I saw what was happening. Once I made a change, everything improved. I got my energy back. I could focus again. And I felt like myself for the first time in years.

Ethan’s Story: A Wake-Up Call

Ethan, my 12-year-old nephew, had always been a bright and curious kid. But by the time he reached middle school, things started to unravel. His grades plummeted, and he struggled to keep up with his classmates. His teachers noticed that he seemed tired all the time and had trouble focusing in class. At home, he became frustrated and withdrawn.

After a visit to a specialist, his parents learned how unnoticed breathing habits were silently affecting Ethan—not just his ability to learn but his overall health and well-being. Thankfully, with targeted interventions, they were able to help Ethan recover and thrive. While the damage hadn’t been completely undone, the changes ensured it wouldn’t hold him back in the future.

Why This Matters

Here’s why you need to pay attention to this:

You Deserve to Feel Like Yourself Again

If you or someone you love are dealing with these issues or just want to improve memory or brain power, don’t wait. The difference it made for Ethan and me has been life-changing.

Get your free breathing exercise to discover the steps that helped us take back control of our lives. Don’t wait—your brain and health deserve it.

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