Cognitive decline - Vitality Hormone Center

What is Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of mental functions like memory, reasoning, attention, language, etc. It is a normal part of aging. However, some people experience cognitive decline earlier or more severely than expected. This can negatively impact one's ability to perform daily activities and live independently.

Early signs of cognitive decline include:

• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Struggling to retain new information
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Taking longer to do routine tasks
• Getting confused about time or place

Causes of cognitive decline include:

• Normal aging - Our brain and cognition naturally deteriorate with age
• Dementia - Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia lead to progressive decline
• Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) - A slight but noticeable decline in cognition
• Other conditions like depression, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid problems, etc.

To help prevent or delay cognitive decline:

• Exercise regularly - Even walking briskly a few times a week helps
• Eat a healthy diet high in vegetables, fruits and omega-3 fatty acids
• Stay socially and mentally active - Pursue hobbies, meet people, play games
• Get good quality sleep and manage stress
• Take care of health issues and review medications with one's doctor

If the decline persists and begins to interfere with daily life, consult a doctor, as it could indicate dementia or other medical issues. Early evaluation allows early treatment.

While some cognitive decline is expected with age, severe or rapid decline should be evaluated. Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle can help preserve mental sharpness. Talk to your doctor about screening for memory loss, or visit Vitality Hormone Center to learn about maintaining optimal hormonal balance for healthy brain aging.