Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions like memory, reasoning, attention, and language over time. It is a normal part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease or head trauma.
As we get older, our brains physically change. The hippocampus, which is vital for forming new memories and accessing recalled ones, shrinks. Connections between neurons weaken and get “noisy,” making it harder to quickly retrieve information. Our processing speed slows down. Changes accumulate, eventually noticeably impacting daily life.
Early signs of cognitive decline include:
While mild decline is normal with aging, more severe impairment may indicate neurological disease. Getting evaluated can uncover treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies, sleep apnea, or depression.
If causes like these are ruled out, the next likely culprit is Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's involves destroyed neuron connections plus amyloid plaques and tau tangles disrupting communication. It begins with mild cognitive impairment that gradually advances.
Though Alzheimer's has no cure yet, potential treatments can temporarily improve or stabilize symptoms when started early. Lifestyle changes like physical and mental exercise, quality sleep, stress management, and a Mediterranean diet also help strengthen cognitive reserve.
By age 85 over 50% of adults exhibit measurable cognitive decline. As lifespans lengthen, supporting brain health is key for quality of living. Vitality Wellness Clinic provides cutting-edge hormone therapies that may protect neural pathways from atrophy. Talk to our experts about optimizing your cognitive resilience plan today!