Cognitive decline

What is Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline refers to a gradual worsening of cognitive abilities like memory, reasoning, attention, and language. As we age, most people experience some amount of cognitive decline which can range from mild to severe.

Some key things to know about cognitive decline:

• It's a progressive condition that worsens over time, often starting with occasional forgetfulness or difficulty finding words.


• The most common form is age-associated memory impairment, which is a natural part of aging.


• More severe forms of decline may indicate neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or dementia.


• Both genetic and lifestyle factors play a role in an individual's risk.

Early Signs

Some early signs of cognitive decline to look out for:

• Forgetting recent events or conversations


• Misplacing items frequently


• Getting lost in familiar places


• Difficulty learning or remembering new information


• Taking longer to complete routine tasks

If you notice consistent issues with memory, thinking or behavior that affect daily life, seek medical advice. Early evaluation can help identify reversible causes and allow access to available treatments as soon as possible.

Preventing Decline

While cognitive decline is expected to some degree with age, adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle may help slow progression. Recommendations include:

• Regular physical exercise


• Challenging mental activities and learning new skills


• Managing heart health risk factors like obesity, smoking, and diabetes


• Increased social engagement


• Adhering to a Mediterranean-style diet high in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids


• Possibly supplementing with vitamins E, B12, folate and antioxidants

Talk to your doctor about screening for vitamin deficiencies associated with cognitive decline. The medical experts at Revive Hormone Clinic provide advanced hormone testing and replacement therapies to proactively address age-related hormone imbalance, which is a risk factor. Visit to learn more or schedule a telehealth consult.

By understanding cognitive aging as a spectrum and addressing modifiable risks through lifestyle and preventative medicine, we can aim to maintain cognitive function for as long as possible. Paying attention to changes and getting evaluated quickly are key.