What to Know About Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

What is a Cognitive Decline?

Cognitive impairment meaning states that it is a type of condition where an individual faces trouble to learn new stuff, remember things, keep concentration or take normal everyday life decisions. Cognitive decline develops with ageing, either suddenly or eventually having a temporary or a permanent effect. It is prevalent in elderly people and should be treated through proper medical care and attention.

Symptoms of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

If you ageing, then chances to notice traits of forgetfulness in your daily behaviour is quite common. However, if you see this kind of an issue consistently then it can suggest the possibility of cognitive decline. There are some ways or symptoms that illustrate the possibility of cognitive impairment in elderly. Some common examples are:

● Consistently forgetting things in everyday life

● Failing to recall important social events or appointments

● Facing difficulties in navigating through familiar and amicable environments

● Feeling of being overwhelmed when faced with the situation of making choices

● Showing poor judgement frequently

Causes of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

Some causes of cognitive impairment in elderly are:

1. Vitamin Deficiency

The deficit in levels of folate, vitamin B12 and other B vitamins can negatively affect the function of the brain.

2. Medications

Medicines like tranquillizers, anticholinergics, and sedatives can cause obstruction of general function of the brain.

3. Hormone Problem

Disparity within levels of estrogen and other sex hormones can have a negative effect on general cognitive function.

4. Delirium

Delirium is a condition that causes serious disruption of mental abilities resulting in reduced awareness and confused thinking. This is prevalent in the elderly which causes cognitive decline.

5. Injuries

Physical injuries to the head can give rise to a long-term or temporary cognitive decline.

6. Toxins

Toxins, like aim pollutants, pesticides, contaminated drinking water, heavy metals, etc., are yet another known cause of cognitive impairment in the elderly.

7. Bodily Affliction

Most elderly people face health issues like dysfunction of the liver or kidney, which can cause cognitive decline.

Some other common causes of cognitive impairment in elderly are Neurodegenerative Conditions, diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, shortfall of physical exercise, low level of education, etc.

How to Prevent Cognitive Decline in Older Adults?

Elderly people can engage in certain activities that can help to tackle the issue of cognitive decline and even enhance their learning capacity. They are:

1) Maintaining a Healthy Diet

2) Engage in Learning activities to stimulate and train your brain

3) Exercise regularly to keep your body fit and stay active

4) Maintain good quality sleep and get adequate rest

5) Socialise and communicate with people