Cognitive decline - Balance Hormone Clinic

What is Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of mental functions like memory, reasoning, attention, language, etc. It is a normal part of aging. However, some people experience it earlier or more severely than others.

Some key things to know about cognitive decline:

• It can start as early as the late 40s and 50s for some people. The rate of decline varies greatly among individuals.
• Common early signs are forgetfulness, taking longer to learn new things, difficulty focusing, and problems finding the right words.
• Many factors contribute to cognitive decline, including genetics, lifestyle, injuries, and medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Alzheimer's disease is an extreme form of cognitive decline that causes severe impairment. But there are less severe forms of age-related cognitive decline that are more common.

Can Cognitive Decline Be Prevented or Delayed?

While cognitive decline is expected to some degree, emerging research shows you may be able to slow your rate of decline through lifestyle approaches:

• Physical exercise may stimulate new brain cell growth and protect existing cells.
• Mentally stimulating activities build cognitive reserve. More education early in life also correlates with slower decline later on.
• Social engagement, healthy diet, sleep, stress management may help strengthen your brain.
• Hormone optimization, such as growth hormone or testosterone replacement therapy, shows promise in some studies. Talk to your doctor or visit Balance Hormone Clinic() to learn more.

In short - what's good for your heart is good for your brain!

While more research is still needed, adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help you reduce or delay age-related cognitive problems. Pay attention to changes in memory and thinking, and consult your doctor if you're concerned. Catching issues early allows more opportunities to take proactive steps.