Cognitive decline - Peak Performance Hormone Institute

What is cognitive decline?

Cognitive decline refers to a slowing or impaired ability to think, reason, and remember. As we age, it's normal to experience mild fatigue in mental processing and memory formation. However, more severe issues like dementia indicate underlying neurological conditions.

Early signs of cognitive decline include:

• Forgetting recent events or conversations
• Struggling to retain new information
• Difficulty concentrating or following complex tasks
• Taking longer to do routine activities

While cognitive decline is expected with aging, concerning changes may result from:

• Alzheimer's disease - Progressive disorder destroying brain cell connections
• Vascular dementia - Reduced blood flow to the brain
• Other dementias tied to Lewy bodies or frontotemporal lobar damage

Protecting cognition involves leading a brain-healthy lifestyle:

• Engaging in regular mental and social activity
• Getting adequate sleep and physical activity
• Managing cardiovascular factors like diabetes or hypertension
• Avoiding smoking, excessive drinking, head injuries

Supplements like vitamin E, ginkgo, or hormones have limited evidence for cognitive benefits. Of course, consult your doctor if concerned about neurological changes. While some decline is natural, severe dysfunction likely warrants professional care.

I aimed to overview key aspects of cognitive decline while avoiding overly promotional content. Please let me know if you would like me to modify anything in this draft. I'm happy to refine it further.