Cognitive decline - Rebalance Clinic

Cognitive Decline

Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of brain functions such as thinking, reasoning, and memory over time. As we age, it's normal to experience mild cognitive changes such as sometimes forgetting names or where you put your keys. However, more serious cognitive impairment ranges from mild decline to severe conditions like dementia.

Some key things to know about cognitive decline:

• Common Causes

Cognitive decline can be caused by normal aging, or medical conditions like:

• Alzheimer's disease - Progressive disorder destroying brain cells
• Vascular dementia - Damage to blood vessels in the brain
• Lewy body dementia - Abnormal protein deposits in brain cells
• Early Signs

Look out for these possible early signs of cognitive impairment:

• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Struggling to find the right words
• Having trouble focusing or making decisions
• Getting confused about dates, times, or places
• Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors may impact cognitive health:

• Physical exercise helps blood and oxygen flow to the brain
• Healthy diet, especially green leafy veggies and berries
• Social activities stimulate mental activity
• Quality sleep is vital for clearing waste in the brain
• Chronic stress may accelerate brain aging
• Prevention Tips

Take these proactive steps to help maintain cognitive function:

• Exercise both body and mind with puzzles or learning new skills
• Follow medical advice on managing conditions like high blood pressure, obesity or high cholesterol
• Limit alcohol intake
• Stay socially engaged and participate in mentally stimulating activities

In summary, cognitive decline ranges from normal aging to more serious diagnoses like dementia. While we can't completely control changes to memory and thinking, leading an overall healthy lifestyle gives our brains the best chance to stay sharp.

For more information, please consult with the professionals at Rebalance Clinic.