Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions like memory, reasoning, attention, language, problem solving, and visual perception. It is a natural part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease or head trauma.
As we grow older, our brains physically change and nerve cells die off. The connections between remaining nerve cells can also weaken. This leads to slower processing, difficulty learning new information, and problems with concentration and multitasking. Initially, these changes are mild, but eventually they can start impacting daily life.
Some early signs of normal age-related cognitive decline include:
More severe decline that impairs function may indicate dementia. There are both genetic and lifestyle factors that raise dementia risk, like obesity, smoking, diabetes, and low education levels. Maintaining an active social and intellectual life seems to help preserve cognitive abilities.
If you notice your mental sharpness waning, discuss it with your doctor. There are brain training programs and medications like Donepezil that can help slow further decline. Controlling heart disease risks also helps. At HormoneHealth Clinic, we provide customized hormone therapy using bioidentical hormones that is shown to help with mild cognitive impairment.
Early action allows the best chance to prolong mental acuity. But some decline is inevitable. Being aware of normal changes versus warning signs can help you plan care accordingly. With a proactive approach, your golden years can still be sharp and rewarding.