The capacity for clear thinking, learning and memory is known as cognitive health. It is necessary to properly do a lot of daily tasks. A single facet of whole brain health is cognitive health. Variety of things influence cognitive wellness. A loss of cognitive abilities and the capacity to carry out daily activities including driving, paying bills, taking medication and cooking may be caused by genetic, environmental or lifestyle causes. While many environmental and lifestyle factors are uncontrollable, genetic factors can be altered or regulated.

Two major areas of concern as people age are cognitive decline and mental health difficulties. Overall well-being, independence and quality of life can all be greatly impacted by these diseases. For the purpose of creating efficient therapies and support networks, it is imperative to comprehend the connection between mental health and cognitive decline. The nature of cognitive decline, its effects on mental health, the causes of these disorders, management and prevention techniques are all covered in this article.

What is Brain Health?

The functioning of a person’s brain in several domains is referred to as their “brain health.” Among the aspects of brain health are:

  • Motor function: how well you make and control motions, including balance
  • Cognitive health: how well you think, learn and remember.
  • Emotional function: Your ability to understand and react to emotions, both happy and negative.
  • Tactile function: The ability to perceive and react to touch sensations, such as pressure, pain and warmth.
  • Sensory function: Your ability to see, hear, taste, and identify smells.

Age-related changes in the brain, brain injuries like strokes or traumatic brain injuries, mood disorders like addiction, depression, or substance use disorders, and diseases like Alzheimer’s and associated dementias can all have an impact on brain health. Impaired cognition can have a significant effect on a person’s general health and wellbeing. From moderate cognitive impairment to dementia, a type of decrease in abilities severe enough to impede with day-to-day functioning, cognitive decline can take many different forms. Dementia with Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent type.

While some adults may experience some cognitive decline as they age, forgetting how to do everyday chores on a regular basis, for instance, is not a natural aspect of aging and can negatively impact an individual’s capacity to live and function on their own. Certain individuals experiencing cognitive impairment could find it difficult to take care of themselves or carry out everyday tasks like cooking, scheduling appointments or handling their personal finances.

An Overview: Cognitive Decline

The progressive loss of cognitive faculties, such as memory, attention, and reasoning, is referred to as cognitive decline. Although it is a typical part of aging, its severity can vary greatly. While some degree of cognitive decline with aging is typical, more marked declines may point to underlying diseases like dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

1. Normal Cognitive Changes with Age:

    • Memory and Learning: As people age, their processing rates may slow down and their retrieval times may lengthen. The capacity to learn new knowledge and maintain long-term memories, however, frequently holds steady.
    • Focus and Attention: The ability to multitask and pay selective attention may deteriorate. It may be harder for older folks to focus on difficult tasks.

    2. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI):

    • Symptoms: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a disorder marked by observable, though not severe, memory impairments that are more severe than one may anticipate for one’s age. There is a higher chance of dementia in those with MCI.
    • Types of MCI: Non-amnestic MCI affects verbal and visuospatial skills, whereas amnestic MCI predominantly impacts memory.

    3. Dementia:

    • Alzheimer Disease: The most prevalent type of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by gradual memory loss, disorientation, and behavioral abnormalities. Amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two aberrant protein aggregates in the brain, are linked to it.
    • Vascular dementia: Reduced blood supply to the brain, which frequently happens after strokes or other cardiovascular events, causes vascular dementia.
    • Lewy Body Dementia: Characterized by aberrant protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain, which cause symptoms resembling those of Parkinson’s disease, including visual hallucinations, erratic attention and motor symptoms.

    How do we link Mental Health and Cognitive Decline?

    Mental health issues and cognitive decline are intricately linked, with each influencing the other in complex ways.

    1. Depression:

    • Symptoms and Cognitive Impact: Unlike in younger people, depression in older persons frequently presents as irritation, disinterest, or physical concerns instead of the typical mood symptoms. Depression can make cognitive decline worse by affecting one’s ability to focus, remember things, and make decisions.
    • Bidirectional Relationship: People who experience cognitive decline may find it more difficult to maintain their independence and to recognize their growing cognitive limits, which can raise their chance of developing depression.

    2. Anxiety:

    • Effect on Cognition: Memory and attention are two areas of the brain where anxiety can have an impact. Prolonged worry can exacerbate cognitive performance by causing hypervigilance and trouble concentrating.
    • Interaction with Cognitive Decline: Anxiety about one’s health and future may be elevated in older persons experiencing cognitive decline, which can exacerbate mental health issues as well as cognitive symptoms.

    3. Psychosis:

    • Symptoms: Psychosis, which includes delusions and hallucinations, can be a part of dementia and other serious mental illnesses. It can have a major impact on general quality of life and cognitive performance.
    • Management Challenges: In order to effectively treat psychosis in people with cognitive decline and prevent cognitive symptoms from getting worse, it is important to manage psychotic symptoms carefully.

    What are the Contributing Factors to Cognitive Decline and Mental Health Issues?

    Understanding the contributing factors can help in developing targeted prevention and management strategies.

    1. Biological Factors:

    • Genetics: The likelihood of experiencing mental health issues and cognitive impairment is significantly influenced by genetic predispositions. Higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Neurological Changes: Age-related modifications to the structure and function of the brain, including loss of neurons and decreased synaptic density, are a factor in cognitive decline.

    2. Psychological Factors:

    • Social Isolation: Isolation and depression are brought on by a lack of social interaction, and these conditions can hasten cognitive aging. Having social contacts is essential to preserving mental wellness.
    • Stress and Life Events: Significant life transitions, such a death in the family or experiencing financial hardship, can affect cognitive function and mental health. Long-term stress can alter the structure of the brain in ways that impact cognition.

    3. Lifestyle Factors:

    • Physical Activity: Studies have demonstrated that regular physical activity improves cognitive health and lowers the risk of mental health problems. It supports heart health, which is essential for proper brain function.
    • Nutrition and Diet: Mental and cognitive health are supported by a balanced diet full of nutrients, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Deficits in nutrition may be a factor in mood disorders and cognitive deterioration.
    • Sleep: Both mental and cognitive wellness depend on getting enough good sleep. Sleep disorders including insomnia and sleep apnea can make mental health problems and cognitive decline worse.

    How to Manage & Prevent Cognitive Decline? (Strategies)

    Preventing cognitive decline and managing mental health issues requires a multifaceted approach. Early intervention, lifestyle modifications and support systems play vital roles in maintaining cognitive and mental well-being.

    1. Early Intervention: Regular screenings can help detect early signs of cognitive decline and mental health issues, allowing for timely intervention and management. Moreover, access to mental health services, including therapy and counseling, is crucial for addressing depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
    2. Lifestyle Modifications: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or strength training, supports cognitive health and mental well-being. Adopting a Mediterranean or other brain-healthy diet can provide essential nutrients for cognitive function and mood stability. Maintaining social connections through family, friends and community activities can reduce feelings of isolation and support cognitive health.
    3. Cognitive and Mental Health Interventions: Cognitive exercises, such as puzzles, memory games, and learning new skills, can help maintain cognitive function and delay the progression of cognitive decline. For instance, individuals with diagnosed conditions, medications and therapies can help manage its symptoms.
    4. Support Systems: Providing support and education for caregivers is essential, as they play a critical role in managing the care of individuals with cognitive decline and mental health issues. Along with, utilizing community resources, such as support groups and adult day care centers, can provide additional support and improve quality of life for both individuals and their families.

    Are there risk factors linked to faster cognitive decline?

    Genes and family history are major risk factors for cognitive decline. But other factors may also lead to faster or more noticeable decline. These include:

    • Diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • Stroke
    • Smoking
    • High cholesterol
    • Hearing loss

    Some of these factors you can control and some you can’t.

    Take Good Care of your Physical Health:

    By taking good care of your physical health may also help your cognitive health. You can:

    • Get recommended health checkups.
    • Handle long-term health issues like depression, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and more related to chronic fatigue.
    • Discuss your medications and any potential negative effects on memory, sleep and brain function with your healthcare practitioner.
    • Treat sensory impairments associated with aging, such as eyesight or hearing loss.
    • Reduce the risk of falls and other mishaps that might cause brain damage.
    • Restrict drugs intake, as certain medications may become hazardous when used with drugs.
    • If you’re addicted to smoking, stop right now! Avoid additional nicotine products, like chewing tobacco.
    • Pay attention to what you eat. Select foods that are high in fiber and vitamins, low in animal fat, and high in nutrition.
    • Make sure you get enough sleep each night. (an estimate roughly seven to nine hours daily)

    Conclusion

    Cognitive decline and mental health issues are interconnected challenges that require a comprehensive approach to management and prevention. By understanding the nature of cognitive decline, its impact on mental health, and the contributing factors, individuals, caregivers, and healthcare professionals can work together to support those affected. Emphasizing early intervention, lifestyle modifications, and robust support systems can help mitigate the effects of cognitive decline.

    SOURCES

    Cleveland Clinic 2023 – Mild Cognitive Impairment

    National Institute on Aging 2024 – Cognitive Health and Older Adults

    Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) 2019 – Subjective Cognitive Decline

    Healthline 2023 – Understanding Cognitive Decline

    HISTORY

    Current Version
    September 10, 2024

    Written By:
    BARIRA MEHMOOD