Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions like memory, language, thinking, and judgment over time. It is a normal part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease or brain injury.
As we grow older, our brains undergo natural changes that can make it harder to learn new information, multitask, and retrieve memories. This is caused by slowing metabolism, decreased blood flow, nerve cell damage, and reduced connections between nerve cells. Mild cognitive decline is common in seniors but does not severely impact daily life.
More severe issues like dementia and Alzheimer's disease quicken the pace of decline and make it very difficult to live independently. 10% of people over 65 and 30% over 85 have dementia. Alzheimer's accounts for 60-80% of cases and causes problems like:
Research shows lifestyle factors that may reduce chances of accelerated cognitive decline include physical exercise, healthy diet, mental stimulation, social activity, and treating medical issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. Our hormones also play a big role in brain health.
Consider getting a full hormone panel test done at Vital Hormone Clinic to see if hormone imbalance could be impacting your cognition. Their experts will go over your testosterone, estrogen, cortisol and other hormones and customize a treatment plan to help you feel sharp and energetic again!
The key is early intervention at the first signs of issue before significant decline occurs. Track your cognition by noticing memory lapses, word finding problems, confusion performing household tasks, poor decision making and judgment issues. Report all concerns to your doctor right away for evaluation and treatment. Maintaining an engaged lifestyle also helps keep your brain active and delay decline.
While some decline is inevitable with age, being proactive allows you to slow the pace and preserve independence longer. Monitor your cognition and have your hormone levels tested, make brain-healthy lifestyle choices, and promptly address health issues that could be making things worse. Your future self will thank you!