As we age, our brains change, but this does not mean that Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and dementia have to be inevitable. As the brain ages, it loses its ability to perform certain tasks, resulting in reduced memory capacity, weaker motor skills, and slower cognitive processes. Conditions like stroke or dementia often accelerate age-related cognitive decline.
As we age, both gray and white matter diminishes in size; as a result of this process, changes occur within neurons that affect gene expression, energy metabolism, calcium levels, and protein production. Yet some people remain unaffected by the effects of aging on the brain- their brains retain an adequate volume with no loss in function or activity.
The factors contributing to successful aging with strong cognitive abilities vary. Genetic inheritance, environmental exposures, and strong personal relationships are significant components for preserving healthy cognitive functioning as we age.
Among the most dreaded aging-related ailments, cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease, is a top fear for many people. Losing one’s memories and mind are among the cruelest conditions brought on by the passing of time. The facts show an alarming trend: death from neurological-related illnesses has escalated in affluent countries worldwide.
In the US, for example, the number of deaths from Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias has more than doubled since 2000. In light of this reality, our physicians attempt to identify what is causing this cognitive decline and how to best treat or prevent it from occurring.
When cognitive decline strikes, the source of its origin may be concealed in our past. Cognitive decline can result from an array of potential issues, including:
Any trauma your body has ever encountered can harm your brain functions. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider all these factors when attempting to restore or maintain optimal neurological functioning as you age. Only by taking an encompassing approach toward both your body and your brain will you be able to notice life-changing results.
With a better understanding of the root causes of cognitive decline, our providers can work to alleviate or prevent its effects. The current research points to many etiologies underlying cognitive decline; this includes diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, which are caused by changes in brain structure and function. Other factors—including lifestyle choices—can also contribute to the development of cognitive decline.
Longevity Medicine focuses on the multiple causes of neurologic decline and intervenes where possible. The aim is to slow down or prevent the underlying causes of aging-related neurodegeneration.
It is important to note that while some degree of age-related cognitive decline is likely inevitable in all of us, you can take steps to help slow it down or even prevent it from happening altogether. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, detoxification, engaging in social activities, and avoiding alcohol and drug use are all ways to improve your brain health.
Traditional research is directed towards the goal of finding a singular ‘one-pill’ solution for cognitive decline. However, to provide more effective results, our holistic approach combines nutrition with other natural therapies, including:
By addressing both the underlying conditions and the symptoms associated with cognitive decline through a personalized approach, longevity medicine has seen promising results in slowing cognitive decline.
The key to delaying neurologic and cognitive decline lies in minimizing the negative impact of the environment and maximizing the positive effects of therapeutics designed to improve the neuron microenvironment.
Our comprehensive method of testing for Neurologic Decline:
Everyone has unique variations in their DNA, known as genetic variants. Specific genetic variants called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms, or SNPs, can increase the risk of chronic diseases. Our providers can recognize your potential vulnerability to particular illnesses by undergoing a genetic test and developing tailored treatments that will help you best avoid them.
Your metabolism is the rate at which your body consumes energy. That's why it's important to understand and monitor your metabolic health. Glucose is crucial for the body as it provides instant energy. However, sugar has damaging side effects - coating proteins and leading to cellular damage and inflammation.
For years, scientists have been striving to prevent the accumulation of beta-amyloid proteins in our brains. It's important to note that these proteins are naturally formed molecules, and they play a vital role when there is brain trauma or bacterial infections such as herpes or pneumonia.
Nutritional testing can help you identify which nutrients your body is lacking. Our digestive system becomes weaker as we age due to decreased stomach acid production, and pancreatic enzymes, beneficial bacteria, and hazardous microorganisms begin replacing those helpful for meeting nutrient needs.
The brain is an incredible evolutionary result that works like a powerful computer. When a part of the brain gets damaged, those parts work at a lower capacity and thus use less sugar and glucose for energy. This decrease in sugar uptake can be found in scans wherein areas of activity that should typically light up don't, indicating something is wrong with its circuitry.
Our comprehensive Solutions for Neurogenic Decline include:
Detoxification is an essential but often misunderstood and misconstrued process. Despite popular belief associated with trendy "detox" drinks that promise quick results without lasting impact, the real power behind detox stems from making small lifestyle changes to help your body flush out unnecessary toxins for improved health and well-being over time.
As we age, we accumulate many inflammatory proteins, chronic infections, and other toxins within our blood, within our plasma, to be exact.
As you reach a certain age, the transition to menopause or the experience of going through menopause can be overwhelming.
Men need testosterone to remain strong, powerful and energized, and testosterone also helps to reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses.
Every cell in the body contains nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a tiny molecule responsible for numerous essential chemical reactions. Thousands of enzymes work together within our bodies to create various functions, breaking down molecules and helping build them.
Toxins are a pervasive danger in our environment, far beyond the traditional scope of heavy metals. Discovering plastics, petroleum products, herbicides, pesticides, and traces of medications and other contaminants in significant quantities inside your body is common.
We value fact over opinion. Please refer to our FAQs for the most commonly asked questions. In addition, we have listed the medical references for the facts stated on the website.
To review the articles and references cited on this topic of Cognitive Decline, click here
As we age, our brains change, but Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, and dementia are not inevitable. More than 40% of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed. It helps to understand what’s normal and what’s not normal when it comes to brain health.
Damage to the brain due to stroke, head trauma, toxins, infections, excessive stress, inflammation, and oxidation all contribute to the decline in neurologic function as we age. Degenerative dementias are the most common cause of significant late-life cognitive decline, but a combination of factors is most likely.
Exercise and physical activity are essential as you age, especially when addressing your brain. Exercise helps keep your body and brain healthy. Staying active can help you remain independent by preventing loss of physical mobility, and exercise slows age-related cognitive decline.
Minor changes may really add up. Changes such as visiting your MDLifespan provider, managing your high blood pressure, eating healthy foods, staying physically active, keeping your mind active, staying connected with friends and social activities, managing stress, toxins, infections, and maintaining good sleep all help to keep your brain healthy and active as you age.
Forgetting recent events, repeating questions, retelling the same stories, forgetting conversations, having trouble finding words, losing focus and attention span, and struggling with problem-solving are a few of the earliest signs of cognitive impairment.