Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: Causes, Symptoms & Prevention
According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 16 million US Americans live with some form of perceived cognitive impairment. The majority of these cases occur among older adults aged 50 or older. Given the prevalence of declining cognitive health among the elderly, cognitive decline in older adults is a major US public health concern.
What is Age-Related Cognitive Decline? Is it Normal?
Aging can be a great joy, but it sometimes comes with challenges. One of those challenges is the risk of declining cognitive function. With healthy aging, this decline is gradual and minor; it does not affect day-to-day life. Signs of cognitive function impacted by normal aging include being able to complete complex tasks at a slower pace and being a little slower to remember certain events.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is when cognitive abilities decline beyond healthy aging but have not yet reached the point of a dementia diagnosis. Symptoms of MCI, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), can include:
- Misplacing objects frequently
- Forgetting (and missing) appointments
- Being slower to remember words and communicating (compared to peers)
- Difficulties with movement
- Impaired sense of smell
One of the first symptoms of Alzheimer’s and other dementias is subjective cognitive decline (SCD), or self-reported decreases in cognition. While not everyone with SCD or MCI develops dementia, some do.
Dementia occurs when MCI progresses. While Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, other types like Lewy body dementia or vascular dementia can also be responsible for cognitive changes in late life. The most important distinguishing factor between dementia and MCI is that people living with dementia experience memory loss and other cognitive changes to such a degree that it impacts daily life.
What Causes Age-Related Cognitive Decline?
There is no single cause of decline in cognitive abilities. Instead, there are a wide variety of causes and risk factors that put someone at risk, including the following:
- Age. As the name implies, age-related cognitive decline is more likely to occur or worsen later in life.
- Sex. According to a 2021 study published in JAMA, “[w]omen, compared with men, had significantly faster declines in global cognition and executive function, but not memory.”
- Lack of physical activity. According to the Alzheimer's Association, research correlates leading an active life with a reduced risk of dementia.
- Hearing loss. According to a 2023 literature review published in PLOS One, most experts associate hearing loss with a significantly increased risk of cognitive decline.
- Ethnicity/race. Research indicates that ethnicity and race may impact dementia risk, with Black and non-White Hispanic groups being more likely than White and Asian groups to develop Alzheimer’s disease and similar dementias. The reason for this disparity may be due to racial bias in the medical field as well as other barriers to accessing quality healthcare.
- Family history. Having biological family members with documented MCI or dementia increases one’s own risk of developing these conditions.
- Cardiovascular issues and other medical conditions. According to Cleveland Clinic, medical conditions that put someone at risk of heart disease can also put someone at risk of MCI. These conditions can include obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), and type 2 diabetes.
- Mental health problems. Research finds that having certain mental health disorders, like depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety, can increase the risk of a dementia diagnosis.
What Can You Do About Cognitive Decline in the Older People?
Watching a loved one develop MCI can be scary, but it’s important to remember that not everyone with MCI develops dementia. In fact, some people living with MCI may even notice an improvement of their symptoms.
It’s not possible to change certain risk factors for this condition like age, race, ethnicity, and family history. That said, there are modifiable risk factors that individuals can take ownership of, including:
- Physical exercise. Getting enough exercise while aging can improve many aspects of health, including brain health. A well-rounded exercise routine for seniors should be tailored to their individual needs and abilities. Many older people benefit from a routine that incorporates stretching and balance (e.g., yoga exercises), strength workouts, and cardio activities.
- Healthy diet. Just about any aspect of health can improve with proper diet, including brain health and cognition.
- Addressing chronic diseases. Managing chronic conditions that can contribute to MCI risk, like diabetes and hypertension, may improve overall MCI symptoms or reduce risk of MCI developing in the first place.
- Cognitive assessment. If you or a loved one notices any sign of MCI, it’s important to undergo cognitive testing to start treatment right away.
- Participating in clinical trials. Participation in clinical trials can offer access to new drugs and treatments that are not yet available to the public; participation also helps experts better understand these conditions, which can improve the trajectory of future research.
Caring for Older Adults Experiencing Cognitive Decline at St. Andrew’s
Everyone at St. Andrew’s cares about the residents in our communities. Our staff members are specially trained to work with residents living with memory problems, which means they are well-suited to crafting a day-to-day schedule that prioritizes your loved one’s well-being.
Communities in the St. Andrew’s network offer several levels of care that are tailored for individuals experiencing memory loss, including:
While cognitive decline in older adults might seem scary, it’s important to remember that an MCI diagnosis doesn’t mean that dementia is a certainty, and there is always support available to your family. Contact us today to learn more about how we approach cognitive decline in older adults.
Disclaimers: This article is for informational purposes only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease or condition. Please direct any and all healthcare concerns to a licensed healthcare provider.
