What is Cognitive Decline?
Cognitive decline refers to the gradual impairment of mental skills and abilities like thinking, remembering, and reasoning. It is a natural part of the aging process, but can also be caused by medical conditions like dementia. Some key things to know about cognitive decline:
- What causes it? In addition to normal aging, causes include head injuries, stroke, sleep disorders, depression, vitamin deficiencies, infections, and heavy alcohol use. Alzheimer's and other dementias are common causes.
- When does it start? Mild cognitive impairment often begins in the late 40s or early 50s. More noticeable decline occurs in the 60s and 70s. The rate of decline varies between individuals.
- What skills are affected? Areas like memory, learning, focus, visual perception, reaction time, and verbal skills. Complex tasks become harder to complete.
- Can it be prevented? Leading an overall healthy lifestyle may help. Stay mentally and socially active, exercise, eat well, sleep enough, and don't smoke. Some medications and hormonal therapies could also slow cognitive aging.
- Is it reversible? Most of the time, no. However, some causes like vitamin deficiencies and depression can be treated to improve symptoms. Lifestyle changes may also mild effects.
- What are the symptoms? Difficulty remembering recent events/conversations, frequently losing items, poorer judgment, changes in mood, repeating questions, and trouble learning new skills.
If you or a loved one are experiencing cognitive changes, don't hesitate to see a doctor. They can evaluate symptoms and recommend next steps, whether that's medication, therapy, or a referral to a specialist like a neurologist. If an underlying condition like Alzheimer's is detected early, treatment can help slow further decline and improve quality of life.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we offer customized hormone therapy to help both men and women maintain optimal hormone levels as they age. Balancing key hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can recharge mental energy and sharpen cognitive skills. Our experienced medical team develops safe, effective treatment plans using bioidentical hormones tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a consultation - we're here to help your mind stay resilient and strong for years to come!