I, too, am 41. For the last five years, I've noticed that my mental performance has become more sensitive to physical changes. I had a particularly bad day with

I, too, am 41. For the last five years, I've noticed that my mental performance has become more sensitive to physical changes. I had a particularly bad day with my memory one day when I woke up an hour earlier than I normally do. Another time, my wife had to point out that I hadn't eaten in 12 hours when I complained I was feeling worn out (I didn't think I was hungry). If I'm stressed, sleeping poorly, haven't exercised in a while, or haven't eaten well then I will at turns having trouble focusing, thinking, remembering, or even having energy. It's been a long time since looking good as been my primary motivator for going to the gym. I suggest, if you get to a point where you're concerned about your mental performance, examine these physical factors to see how you're doing. Stress in particular can creep on you. If you're only going on vacations for family events and not taking time off for your own mental health you may be more stressed than you even realize.