Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions like memory, reasoning, attention, language, problem-solving, and visual perception over time. It is a natural part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease or head injuries.
Some early signs of cognitive decline include:
Mild cognitive impairment is considered an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia. Individuals with MCI experience cognitive problems that are greater than expected for their age, but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. Around 5-20% of people over 65 have MCI.
There are lifestyle factors that raise or lower the risk of cognitive decline, including:
Some ways to promote healthy cognition include mental stimulation, a Mediterranean-style diet high in vegetables and fish, regular exercise, quality sleep, stress management, brain training games, and maintaining an active social life.
If you're concerned about cognitive changes in yourself or a loved one, it's wise to schedule a medical evaluation. Early screening and detection allows for better management of reversible causes and access to treatment options that could slow further decline.
The experts at Hormone Health Clinic provide cutting-edge care when it comes to optimizing hormones for healthy brain aging. Balanced hormone levels, especially thyroid, growth hormone, and sex hormones, are essential for sustaining cognitive function into older age. I'd be happy to answer any questions about our cognitive health services!