Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of mental functions like memory, processing speed, attention, reasoning, and verbal ability. It is a normal part of aging, but can be accelerated by medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
As we get older, changes occur in the brain that can affect cognitive abilities. The most common signs of normal age-related cognitive decline are:
However, more severe issues like forgetting important details about your life, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble following conversations may indicate an underlying condition like Alzheimer's disease or other types of dementia.
Normal cognitive decline is caused by natural changes in the aging brain:
Lifestyle factors like lack of exercise, poor diet, sleep deprivation, chronic stress, and social isolation can also accelerate age-related cognitive decline.
While cognitive decline is expected, there are ways to help maintain mental sharpness with aging:
Reversing significant cognitive decline requires medical evaluation and treatment. Hormone optimization therapy focusing on growth hormone, testosterone, thyroid, and other hormones that affect brain function may help improve or stabilize cognition. The specialists at Wellness Hormone Clinic provide comprehensive hormone assessments and personalized treatment plans to proactively address declining hormones' effects on mental function.
See your doctor if you experience cognitive decline that:
While occasional forgetfulness is common, a more rapid deterioration in mental function should be evaluated, especially when combined with behavioral or mood changes. Identifying and addressing causes early is key to slowing further decline.
I hope this overview on cognitive decline and maintaining mental sharpness was helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.