Cognitive Health: Prevention Matters

A vital part of healthy aging and maintaining a good quality of life is having good cognitive health. “Cognition is a combination of mental processes that includes the ability to learn new things, intuition, judgment, language and remembering” (Centers for Disease Control, 2008). Memory loss is often associated with cognitive decline, but there are a whole spectrum of symptoms ranging from loss of problem solving skills to more severe disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Given the dramatic aging of the U.S. population, the need for clearly defined risk reduction for cognitive decline is crucial.
There are now about 45 million Americans over age 60 and 117 million over age 40. Current evidence indicates that a large number of them are at substantial risk for cognitive impairment from many causes as they age and taking the following steps can decrease your risk:
• lowering cholesterol and homocysteine levels
• lowering high blood pressure levels
• controlling inflammation
• exercising regularly
• education
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Engaging in intellectually stimulating activities, such as social interaction, playing a musical instrument, chess or crossword puzzles may significantly hinder cognitive decline and lower risk for developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. While researchers aren’t sure what causes people with cognitive decline to later develop dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, steps can be taken to maintain brain health and allow older Americans to maintain their independence and enjoy the golden years of their life.

Resources:
Centers for Disease Control – Healthy Brain Initiative
Healthy Aging Research Network (PRC-HAN)
National Institutes of Health Cognitive and Emotional Health Project: The Healthy Brain
National Institute on Aging
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke