The most common and important diseases related to cognitive decline caused by advancing age are:

• Alzheimer
• Parkinson
• Huntington

Components that help counter cognitive decline are substances that can contribute to maintaining or improving brain function. Here are some examples

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, they support brain health and cognitive function.
• Antioxidants. Such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and flavonoids, protect the brain from free radical damage.
• Curcumin. The active ingredient in turmeric, known for its neuroprotective properties.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid. An antioxidant that can help protect brain cells.
• Phosphatidylserine. A component of brain cell membranes, important for cognitive function.
• Bacopa Monnieri. A plant traditionally used to improve memory and cognitive function.
• Vitamin D. Important for brain health and cognitive function.
• Green Tea. Contains L-theanine and antioxidants that can benefit brain health.
• Regular Physical Exercise. Improves blood circulation and overall brain health.

Components that can contribute to or exacerbate cognitive decline include various factors that can negatively affect brain function. Here are some examples

• Alcohol. Excessive consumption can damage brain cells and worsen cognitive function.
• Cigarette Smoking. Can reduce blood flow to the brain and accelerate cognitive decline.
• Poor Nutrient Diet. A diet lacking in antioxidants and essential fatty acids can negatively affect brain health.
• Environmental Pollution. Exposure to toxic substances can damage brain cells.
• Chronic Stress. Can negatively affect brain function and memory.
• Lack of Sleep. Sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function and memory.
• Sedentary Lifestyle. Lack of physical exercise can negatively affect brain health.
• Refined Sugars and Saturated Fats. Can contribute to inflammation and cellular damage in the brain.

• Social Isolation. Lack of social interaction can negatively affect mental and cognitive health.

The reports  provided on Tiiips website are for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making health-related decisions.

References_____________________________________________________________________

Bredesen DE, Amos EC, Canick J, Ackerley M, Raji C, Fiala M, Ahdidan J. Reversal of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease. Aging (Albany NY). 2016 Jun;8(6):1250-8. doi: 10.18632/aging.100981. PMID: 27294343; PMCID: PMC4931830.

Abstract. Alzheimer's disease is one of the most significant healthcare problems nationally and globally. Recently, the first description of the reversal of cognitive decline in patients with early Alzheimer's disease or its precursors, MCI (mild cognitive impairment) and SCI (subjective cognitive impairment), was published [1]. The therapeutic approach used was programmatic and personalized rather than monotherapeutic and invariant, and was dubbed metabolic enhancement for neurodegeneration (MEND). Patients who had had to discontinue work were able to return to work, and those struggling at work were able to improve their performance. The patients, their spouses, and their co-workers all reported clear improvements. Here we report the results from quantitative MRI and neuropsychological testing in ten patients with cognitive decline, nine ApoE4+ (five homozygous and four heterozygous) and one ApoE4-, who were treated with the MEND protocol for 5-24 months. The magnitude of the improvement is unprecedented, providing additional objective evidence that this programmatic approach to cognitive decline is highly effective. These results have far-reaching implications for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, MCI, and SCI; for personalized programs that may enhance pharmaceutical efficacy; and for personal identification of ApoE genotype.

Aarsland D, Batzu L, Halliday GM, Geurtsen GJ, Ballard C, Ray Chaudhuri K, Weintraub D. Parkinson disease-associated cognitive impairment. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021 Jul 1;7(1):47. doi: 10.1038/s41572-021-00280-3. Erratum in: Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2021 Jul 13;7(1):53.

Abstract. Parkinson disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, affecting >1% of the population ≥65 years of age and with a prevalence set to double by 2030. In addition to the defining motor symptoms of PD, multiple non-motor symptoms occur; among them, cognitive impairment is common and can potentially occur at any disease stage. Cognitive decline is usually slow and insidious, but rapid in some cases. Recently, the focus has been on the early cognitive changes, where executive and visuospatial impairments are typical and can be accompanied by memory impairment, increasing the risk for early progression to dementia. Other risk factors for early progression to dementia include visual hallucinations, older age and biomarker changes such as cortical atrophy, as well as Alzheimer-type changes on functional imaging and in cerebrospinal fluid, and slowing and frequency variation on EEG. However, the mechanisms underlying cognitive decline in PD remain largely unclear. Cortical involvement of Lewy body and Alzheimer-type pathologies are key features, but multiple mechanisms are likely involved. Cholinesterase inhibition is the only high-level evidence-based treatment available, but other pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies are being tested. Challenges include the identification of disease-modifying therapies as well as finding biomarkers to better predict cognitive decline and identify patients at high risk for early and rapid cognitive impairment.

Cherian L, Wang Y, Fakuda K, Leurgans S, Aggarwal N, Morris M. Mediterranean-Dash Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) Diet Slows Cognitive Decline After Stroke. J Prev Alzheimers Dis. 2019;6(4):267-273. doi: 10.14283/jpad.2019.28. 

Abstract. Objective: This study sought to determine if the MIND diet (a hybrid of the Mediterranean and Dash diets, with modifications based on the science of nutrition and the brain), is effective in preventing cognitive decline after stroke....Conclusions: High adherence to the MIND diet was associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline after stroke.

Langa KM, Levine DA. The diagnosis and management of mild cognitive impairment: a clinical review. JAMA. 2014 Dec 17;312(23):2551-61. doi: 10.1001/jama.2014.13806. 

Abstract. Importance: Cognitive decline is a common and feared aspect of aging. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is defined as the symptomatic predementia stage on the continuum of cognitive decline, characterized by objective impairment in cognition that is not severe enough to require help with usual activities of daily living. Objective: To present evidence on the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MCI and to provide physicians with an evidence-based framework for caring for older patients with MCI and their caregivers... Conclusions and relevance: Cognitive decline and MCI have important implications for patients and their families and will require that primary care clinicians be skilled in identifying and managing this common disorder as the number of older adults increases in coming decades. Current evidence supports aerobic exercise, mental activity, and cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with MCI.