Cognitive decline

What is Cognitive decline?

Cognitive decline refers to the gradual worsening of cognitive functions like memory, planning, attention, and thinking over time. As we age, it's normal to experience some mild cognitive decline, like occasionally forgetting names or where you put your keys. However, more severe declines that start impacting daily life may signal neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia.

What are some key things to know about cognitive decline?

• It's a spectrum. Decline can range from normal aging to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to severe dementia. Tracking changes over time is key.


• Many factors influence it like genetics, lifestyle, and age. But some decline is expected with natural aging.


• Early symptoms involve forgetfulness and difficulty multitasking. Later stages impair ability to function independently.


• Reversible causes like medication side effects or vitamin deficiencies should be ruled out.


• Treatments focus on symptom management, though research on prevention is emerging.

"I first noticed my mom was declining cognitively when she couldn't follow her favorite baking recipe anymore. We did tests and she was diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's at 72 years old."

What are some common signs of cognitive decline?

Here are key signals that could indicate an abnormal decline:

• Consistently forgetting recently learned information


• Trouble planning or organizing tasks like paying bills


• Losing track of dates, seasons, or passage of time


• Difficulty having conversations or trouble finding words


• Misplacing items often and being unable to retrace steps


• Getting lost in once familiar places

Marked decline interfering with work performance or daily routines warrants medical evaluation. Tests by doctors evaluate things like memory, judgement, language, and visuospatial skills. Blood tests help rule out other physical causes.

Can cognitive decline be prevented or reversed?

Research shows promising links between prevention and lifestyle factors like:

• Regular exercise and activity


• Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol


• Managing chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease


• Staying mentally and socially active


• Getting good sleep and reducing stress


• Following a Mediterranean-style diet high in omega-3s and antioxidants

Supplements like fish oil and turmeric may also help support cognitive health.

"My husband's memory has improved since he started exercising daily and we changed our diet per a nutritionist's recommendation. His doctor says catching cognitive issues early and managing lifestyle factors can have big impact."

While more study is needed, it's wise for middle aged and older folks to adopt brain healthy lifestyle habits. Track any concerning cognitive changes and discuss them promptly with your doctor. Reversible causes like infections or hormone deficiencies can sometimes be uncovered and resolved with treatment.

And at Vitality Balance Clinic, we offer customized hormone balancing programs to help patients address hormone-related issues with memory, thinking, and cognition. Our compassionate providers leverage optimal hormone levels to support whole body wellness. Call today for a consultation.