Brain Health Recovery Program

Cognitive decline, or cognitive impairment, occurs when you begin struggling with your cognitive abilities. This includes trouble remembering, concentrating, learning new information, and making sound decisions.

Most people struggle with cognitive decline later in life, but a cognitive impairment can happen at any age, which is why it’s important to watch out for the telltale signs.

The signs of cognitive decline or impairment can be subtle at first, but they tend to worsen over time. Some of the most common signs to look out for include:

• Short-term or long-term memory loss
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Confusion
• Vision problems
• Poor motor skills
• Emotional outbursts or anger
• Lack of balance
• Forgetting familiar names or faces
• Impaired judgment
• Planning problems
• Difficulty following instructions or completing tasks
  
  

Conditions that cause cognitive decline can feel especially isolating if you work full-time or are enrolled in school. Proper diagnosis early on can help minimize the effects of your condition, so you can lead a healthy, productive life.

Several conditions can cause cognitive decline, but the most common and well-known are:

Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive condition that causes brain cells to degenerate and die. It often leads to dementia, which impacts your ability to think, retain memories, and function without support. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, taking the right medications at the first sign of the disease can help slow its progression.

Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects movement. Some of the early signs of the disease include slurred speech, hand tremors, stiff muscles, loss of balance, slowed movement, and changes in the way you write.

Over time, your ability to perform automatic movements, such as smiling or blinking, may become impaired. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but medication and early intervention can slow its progression.

Dementia
A decline in memory, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and more, characterize dementia. It is not a single disease, like Parkinson’s, but rather a collection of cognitive decline symptoms. Dementia is the result of dying brain cells, and an injury or disease, including Alzheimer’s, may be the cause.

The goal of functional medicine when treating cognitive decline is to determine the root cause of your symptoms.

Dr. Mark can help boost cognitive performance by recommending certain supplements, tailored to your unique needs, and stress management techniques. This can help increase your mental clarity and slow the progression of cognitive decline.

In addition, Dr. Mark can help design a diet that improves your cognitive performance. Depending on your unique health history and goals, a gluten-free, dairy-free diet can help boost your mood, reduce brain fog, and more.