Cognitive decline

What is Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive decline refers to the gradual worsening of cognitive abilities like memory, reasoning, attention, and language. It is a normal part of the aging process, but can be accelerated by certain health conditions.

Signs of cognitive decline include:

• Forgetfulness - forgetting important dates, events, appointments


• Difficulty learning new information - struggling to learn new skills or remember new material


• Communication problems - trouble finding the right words or following conversations


• Disorientation - getting confused about time, place, or people


• Impaired judgment - making questionable or unsafe decisions

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a condition where people have more significant memory and thinking problems than normal aging, but not as severe as dementia. People with MCI are at higher risk for eventually developing Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.

There are steps you can take to help maintain cognitive health and possibly slow decline:

• Eat a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and omega-3 fatty acids


• Exercise regularly - aim for 150 minutes per week


• Get enough sleep and rest


• Stay socially and mentally active


• Treat underlying health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc


• Consider supplements like vitamin E, ginkgo biloba, and curcumin


• Reduce stress through meditation, yoga, or just taking time to relax

If you're concerned about cognitive changes, see your doctor for an evaluation. Sometimes forgetfulness is caused by treatable issues like sleep apnea, depression, or medication side effects. Your doctor can help identify any underlying causes and recommend lifestyle changes or treatment plans tailored to your needs.

At Hormone Health Institute, we offer comprehensive hormone testing and optimization services to help patients address age-related hormone imbalances that may contribute to cognitive decline. Our highly trained medical providers create fully personalized treatment plans involving bioidentical hormone therapy when appropriate to help patients maintain peak cognitive function as they age. Contact us today for a consultation!