Dementia and Aging Well
Aging: The Difference Between Normal Cognitive Decline and Dementia
As we age, we naturally begin to lose some of our cognitive abilities. The speed at which we process information slows down, our attention decreases, and we become more forgetful. Dementia occurs when cognitive decline is more severe than expected for a given age which results in a decrease in daily functioning and may involve confusion, getting lost in familiar places, forgetting to take medication, etc. Neuropsychological assessment is recommended when such symptoms are noticed by family members or friends since individuals with dementia may not recognize the changes, especially as the disease process progresses.
There are different types of dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, and Frontotemporal Dementia. There are also many other conditions that may cause memory impairment such as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome, Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, and many others.
How do we stay cognitively healthy as we age?
There are many ways to prevent abnormal cognitive decline as we age. Maintaining physical health is important in reducing risk factors such as heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, diabetes, which will reduce the likelihood of experiencing cognitive decline due to strokes or other physical conditions. Avoiding toxins such as substances (alcohol, cigarettes, etc) and certain medications improves brain health and reduces the risk of developing dementia. Obtaining adequate sleep is important since your brain processes and organizes information as well as removes toxins from your body while you sleep. Keep your brain active by exercising, engaging in social activities, reading, completing puzzles or other cognitive tasks, and avoiding too much time watching television or engaging in activities that do not require your brain to work! Diet, exercise, and sleep are major components to maintaining your brain health as you age.
Listed below are some websites that provide more information on dementia and aging.
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults
