Cognitive decline - Vitality Health Center

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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, but can be accelerated by certain medical conditions.

As we grow older, our brain and its abilities slowly deteriorate. While genetics plays a role, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, sleep, stress levels, and mental stimulation greatly impact the rate of decline.

Some key points about age-related cognitive decline:

• It begins slowly in our late 20s and can quicken from our 60s onward
• Memory and processing speed are usually the first functions affected
• Day-to-day mental sharpness and concentration worsen over time
• Loss of neurons and connections between them contribute to decline

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) falls between normal aging and dementia. 10-20% of adults 65 have MCI. It involves more severe issues with memory, planning, judgment than normal, but not severely enough to impact daily life. Many with MCI develop dementia later on.

Dementia involves more serious loss of cognitive abilities that start to interfere with one's independence. Most common types are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Reversible causes like medication side effects, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, etc. should be ruled out first.

To slow age-related decline:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3s
• Exercise regularly - both cardio and strength training
• Get enough sleep and treat sleep apnea if present
• Manage stress levels with yoga, meditation, etc.
• Stay socially and mentally active

Early screening allows for proactive treatments to prolong mental sharpness. So stay vigilant for any declines and discuss with your doctor. Catching issues early on can help slow further deterioration of cognitive health.