Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of cognitive abilities like memory, language, thinking, and judgment that can occur as people get older. Key terms related to cognitive decline include:
- Dementia - An umbrella term for severe cognitive impairment that interferes with daily life. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form.
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) - Noticeable but mild changes in cognitive function that do not severely impact everyday activities. People with MCI are at higher risk for eventually developing dementia.
- Age-associated memory impairment - A former term, now outdated, referring to normal age-related memory changes. These include occasionally forgetting names or appointments but not to a degree that it significantly impacts function.
- Cognitive reserve - Resilience to cognitive decline that some people accumulate through education, stimulating jobs, an active social and intellectual lifestyle, etc. Those with more reserve can endure more neurological changes before showing symptoms.
While a certain amount of cognitive decline is common with healthy aging, there are lifestyle steps people can take to help maintain cognitive health and potentially slow further decline:
- Eat a nutritious diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats like olive oil and fatty fish
- Exercise regularly - both cardio and strength training
- Get good sleep and treat issues like sleep apnea
- Manage chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension
- Stay socially, mentally, and physically active
- Consider supplements like vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids
Of course, significant or worsening cognitive problems should prompt a full medical evaluation to identify and treat any underlying conditions that could be contributing. But maintaining a brain-healthy lifestyle provides the best preventative strategy for preserving cognitive abilities into older age. Please let me know if you would like me to elaborate on any part of this overview. I aimed to provide a balanced perspective without any advertising, but I'm happy to amend my response if needed.