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 it earlier or more severely than others.
There are a few key things that happen in the brain as we age:
While we can't stop normal aging, certain lifestyle factors seem to hasten cognitive decline, like:
On the flip side, staying mentally and socially active seems to help strengthen connections between neurons. Getting good nutrition and proper treatment of disorders like diabetes, depression, and high blood pressure can also slow decline.
If you're concerned about your cognition, get a full workup with your doctor. Screening tests can detect issues early when treatment is most effective. For example, memory tests assess retention and recall.
By age 65, over 25% of people experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - noticeable deficits without impairment of daily activities. About half with MCI develop dementia within 5 years.
Early intervention can improve outcomes in MCI. Our clinicians at Hormone Health Center use comprehensive plans involving hormone optimization, medications, lifestyle changes, and cognitive training. Contact us today for a free consult. We accept most major insurance plans.
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