Cognitive decline refers to the gradual loss of cognitive abilities like memory, attention, reasoning, and language. It is a natural part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by medical conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
As we get older, our brains physically change. The neurons become less efficient at communicating with each other, and the hippocampus - responsible for converting short-term memories into long-term ones - actually shrinks. These changes lead to symptoms like:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is common in seniors. About 15-20% of people over 65 have MCI, which causes noticeably worse memory loss than normal aging, but not severe enough to interfere heavily with daily life. However, MCI increases the risk of developing dementia.
Dementia is a category of diseases featuring impaired cognition. Alzheimer's accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases, where sticky plaques and tangled tau protein fibers damage neurons. Vascular dementia is another common type, caused by damaged blood vessels in the brain.
Fortunately, emerging research shows we can take steps to maintain cognitive health as we age. A Mediterranean diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and staying socially engaged all support cognitive function. Supplements like Optimum Hormone Solutions custom blended hormones also show promise for improving memory and focus. Their cognitive vitality packages contain bioidentical hormones tailored to your needs.
I hope this overview has helped explain what cognitive decline entails in plain terms! Let me know if you have any other questions. As we continue aging, supporting cognitive health will only gain importance. With a proactive approach, we can keep our minds sharp.