Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions like memory, reasoning, attention, language, problem solving, planning, judgment, and decision making over time. It is a natural part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
The most common form of age-related cognitive decline is mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which causes noticeably worse memory and thinking skills than normal aging, but not severe enough to interfere greatly with daily life. Around 15-20% of people over 65 have MCI. Some, but not all, people with MCI later develop Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.
Look out for these early red flags of cognitive decline:
Risk factors include:
While some cognitive change comes naturally with aging, you can take steps to maximize lifelong brain health:
If you notice persistent decline in your thinking abilities, schedule a medical checkup. Early intervention can help identify reversible causes like medication side effects, sleep apnea or depression, and treat underlying issues to delay further progression. Your doctor may also prescribe nootropic supplements or hormone therapy at our clinic to enhance cognition.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I'm happy to help you take proactive steps for lifelong brain health.