Cognitive decline
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Cognitive decline is not solely age-related and can be influenced by various factors such as diabetes, smoking, and cognitive engagement. Research indicates that lifestyle choices like regular exercise, social activity, and a healthy diet can mitigate decline, while adequate sleep and moderate alcohol consumption may also be beneficial. Moreover, emerging studies suggest potential future treatments targeting genetic and biochemical pathways related to cognitive health.
Cognitive decline
- 1. Cognitive DeclineNOT necessarily age related!
- 2. What is Cognitive Decline?A deterioration of cognitive functionAs we age, we are more inclined to experience cognitive decline as we notice difficulties in memory, speed of information processing, language and other cognitive functions.This type of age related cognitive decline CAN BE SLOWED OR REVERSED
- 3. Research into Cognitive DeclineIn 2010, a review of the literature was published which tried to identify factors associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Cognitive decline.What follows is a summary of their findings.You can view the entire report by clicking this link.
- 4. Summary of report findingsDecreased risk of cognitive declineIncreased risk of cognitive declineDiabetesA specific gene (APOE e4)SmokingDepressionCognitive engagementPhysical activities
- 5. Additional study by BBC…An additional review of the literature was published by BBC in 2010They evaluated where the evidence was strong, where it was possible, and where the jury is still outTheir results are on the next page…
- 6. Summary of BBC reportStrong evidence Less evidenceExerciseNot being obeseLower blood pressureReduce cholesterolNo smokingModerate alcoholDietSocially activeBrain training
- 7. Vitamin supplementsJury still out…
- 8. Cognitive Engagement IdeasKeep your brain active by:Lifelong learningRead, write, crossword puzzlesLectures and playsEnroll in adult education classesPlay games, or memory exercisesTake up or continue a musical instrument
- 9. Physically Active IdeasPhysical activity helps the brain by:Increasing blood flow Encourages new brain cell growthProtects cardiac systemTypes of physical activity:30 min a dayWalking, bicycling, gardening, tai chi, yogaHelps to include mental activity during exercise
- 10. Become Socially activeRemain socially active by:Staying active in the workplace or community
- 11. Volunteer
- 12. Join groups such as a bridge group or square dancing
- 13. TravelBrain Healthy DietResearch suggests that the Mediterranean diet may benefit the aging brain:Lots of fruits and vegetables
- 15. Fish
- 16. Olive oil
- 17. Low in dairy food & processed foodQuick QuizHow can you become cognitively engaged?Why would physical activity benefit the brain?Describe how you can become socially active after retirementWhat is an example of a brain healthy dinner?
- 18. recent research on Cognitive Decline and Alzheimer’s Advances in Science
- 19. A molecular signature of Cognitive DeclineFrom: Science NowResearch study suggests that the function of histones (tiny protein spools that control gene expression in DNA) may change with aging. Perhaps a future drug will boost histone production.
- 20. Coffee may decrease risk of brain disorder?From: Live ScienceA slew of new research is suggesting that caffeine can help prevent Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's. Amount needed? Up to 4 cups a day.Research suggests that it does not improve memory by prevents deterioration of memory by blocking “insults” (which can be cholesterol, or the actual disease of Alzheimer’s).MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED!
- 21. Older Caregivers at Greater RiskFrom: Health.comIf you are caring for a loved one with dementia, you may face an increased risk, according to a new study. Factors which contributed to the decline of caregivers include:Psychosocial factors (depression, loneliness, social isolation and sleep problems)Behavioral factors (exercise & diet)Physiological factors (obesity, chronically elevated insulin & inflammation)
- 22. Silent Vascular Disease May Accompany Cognitive DeclineFrom: Science DailyAs we get older, we can experience the decline of our cardiovascular system, even if we do not have a heart attack or stroke.This research suggests that this “silent vascular disease” may influence our ability to think.It further links the importance of a heart healthy lifestyle in maintaining cognitive function.Follow-up article in Science Daily suggests that risk for heart disease is also a risk for cognitive & memory problems.
- 23. Sleep and Cognitive DeclineFrom: PsycCentralRecent study suggests that women and men who begin sleeping more or less than 6 to 8 hours of sleep a night are subjected to accelerated cognitive decline.Ideal sleep for women was between 6 and 7 hours a night.Ideal sleep for men was between 6 and 8 hours a night.Adequate sleep is fundamental to functioning & well being, according to the study.
- 24. Moderate Drinking Associated with Better CognitionFrom: Science DailyThis article summarizes that in the last 3 decades, involving 68 studies and 145, 308 men and women, the research suggests an association between light to moderate alcohol consumption and better cognitive function.Another Science Daily article adds the value of tea and chocolate to improve cognition.
- 25. Older brains don’t rewire from experiencesNormally, the brain rewires in response to life’s experiences. However, research shows that the aging brain loses its capacity for experienced-induced plasticityStudies from rats suggest a rigidity in cell structure as they age, which disrupts ability of the nerve cells to conduct synapses. These rigid cells don’t respond well to stress or learning.This is a case for using a well designed brain training program to strengthen nerve cells.
- 26. Bottom line…Proven : exercise, socially active, cognitively engaged, no smoking, low cholesterol & blood pressure, healthy weightQuite possibly effective: moderate alcohol, heart healthy dietAdditional research suggests: drugs to target histones, moderate caffeine, regular sleep patterns, brain training programs
- 27. Begin your heart and brain healthy lifestyle today!