What is Cognitive Decline?
Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions like memory, reasoning, attention, language, and visual perception over time. It is a normal part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by certain medical conditions or lifestyle factors.
Some key things to know about cognitive decline:
- It affects most adults to some degree as they get older, but the rate and severity varies between individuals. Some experience minor forgetfulness while others develop more disabling symptoms.
- Common early signs include having trouble recalling recent events or conversations, struggling to find the right words, frequently misplacing items, forgetting appointments, or getting lost in familiar places.
- Underlying causes include shrinking of the brain's gray and white matter, buildup of plaque in the brain, reduced blood flow, cellular damage, hormone changes, insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress, and reduced connections between neurons.
- Major risk factors include advancing age, family history of dementia, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and social isolation. Head trauma and Down syndrome also increase risk.
- While cognitive decline is expected with age, serious memory and thinking problems are not a normal part of aging. Symptoms that interfere with daily life may indicate early dementia brought on by Alzheimer's or other neurodegenerative diseases.
- Early screening and detection of abnormal decline can help identify reversible causes like medication side effects, sleep apnea, thyroid dysfunction, or vitamin deficiencies. Once ruled out, remaining symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Treatment options depend on the severity and cause. Maintaining physical, mental, and social activity may help strengthen cognitive reserve. Medications like cholinesterase inhibitors can manage symptoms in Alzheimer's disease. Controlling cardiovascular risk factors like diabetes and hypertension may also slow progression.
The specialists at New Beginnings HRT Clinic also note emerging research on the positive effects of bioidentical hormone therapy on areas like memory, focus, processing speed, and verbal fluency. As we age, declining hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA sulfate appear closely tied to structural and functional changes in the brain. Balancing key hormones under doctor supervision may help support long-term cognitive health. Ask our experts if hormone therapy is right for you.
Slowing the progression of age-related cognitive decline takes a proactive, multidimensional approach. Healthy lifestyle choices, early intervention, and innovative treatments like bioidentical hormones can give your brain its best shot at staying sharp longer. What symptoms of cognitive aging are you noticing lately? Share below so our doctors can provide helpful tips and insight!