Cognitive decline is a normal part of aging, with memory loss being a common feature. Short-term memory is usually affected, while long-term memory is not. Other changes may include decreased reaction times, language skills, and visual-spatial abilities. However, not everyone experiences the same symptoms, and some may even see an improvement. Overall intelligence may not be affected, and aging people can continue to learn and achieve in a stimulating environment.
Cognitive decline usually refers to a progressive loss of cognitive or mental abilities associated with aging. While the brain undoubtedly changes as the body as a whole ages, there is no single model for the effect of aging on everyone’s cognition. Most commonly, mental aging is associated with generally harmless memory problems and forgetfulness. Other changes that can occur with cognitive decline include decreased reaction times, language skills, and visual-spatial abilities. For most older people, this decline is considered a normal part of the aging process and isn’t usually an indication of a disease like Alzheimer’s.
Memory decreases are often cited as a feature of cognitive decline. Typically, memory loss is slow or nonexistent until age 60 and can accelerate thereafter, particularly after age 70. By age 70, only about 40 percent of people have the memory capacity they had in their 30s. The other 60 percent have some memory impairment, a condition sometimes referred to as benign senescent forgetfulness, and it doesn’t impact problem solving or language skills much. By age 70, about 30 percent of the disability group may be in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
Impaired memory due to aging typically affects only short-term memory. This can make it harder for people with cognitive decline to absorb new information, particularly when it’s communicated verbally. Long-term memory, or memories that are many years old, are usually not affected. Some older people may even recall long-term memories better than they did when they were younger.
Like short-term memory, general cognitive skills such as planning and problem solving also begin to decline around age 60, with the decline becoming more rapid after 70. However, not everyone experiences the same characteristics of cognitive decline and some experience no symptoms or even an improvement. While the reasons for this are unclear, they likely have to do with educational background, genetics, and environment. Decreased sleep may be more common, as multiple physical ailments make sustained, comfortable sleep more difficult. Other age-related changes in the brain can make sleep less restful.
Whether overall intelligence is affected by cognitive decline has been debated. While nonverbal intelligence appears to decline with age, verbal intelligence usually tends to remain stable. Other tests show that some aspects of cognitive performance may improve with age. What seems clearer is that, when in good general health and in a stimulating environment, aging people can continue to learn and achieve as they get older.
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