This Health Risk Profile estimates your risk of developing cognitive decline compared to the average man or woman. Even more important, it tells you exactly which factors contribute to your risk and what you can do to reduce your risk of developing cognitive decline. By taking the Cognitive Decline Risk Profile, you'll be able to take action to reduce your chances of developing cognitive decline and its complications.
What is cognitive decline? This is not a term that most people know. Cognition refers to our ability to think. Thus, cognitive decline indicates a decrease in one's ability to think. The term "dementia" is often used to mean the same thing, but typically connotes a much more marked fall in mental function. Cognitive decline, on the other hand, tends to be gradual and often very subtle.
Cognitive decline is probably quite common, especially after age 70. It is not by itself a significant cause of death, but it certainly can affect one's quality of life. Also, if it becomes severe, the affected individual can become a major burden for his or her family.
What causes cognitive decline? We have identified a number of risk factors that predispose to cognitive decline. Alzheimer's disease is present in about half the cases; however, there seem to be few real differences in the risk factors compared to those not associated with Alzheimer's. The main risk factors for cognitive decline include hypertension, diabetes, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise (both physical and mental), and several other dietary and laboratory factors. Overall, up to 90% of the causes of cognitive decline are under your control.
A risk factor is anything that affects your chances of getting a particular disease. You can control some of them, but not all of them. Those you can't control include genetics or family history, and environmental exposures or behaviors that occurred in the past. Those you can control include your current and future behavior, including diet and exercise, and your current and future environmental exposures, such as to tobacco smoke. Remember that risk factors are not absolute: having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop cognitive decline, and avoiding risk factors does not guarantee you will be healthy. But they substantially affect your odds.
What about screening? Screening tests, or early detection, are designed to uncover cognitive decline long before it becomes obvious. A screening test thus looks for signs of cognitive decline in people who have no symptoms. A positive screening test is typically followed by more testing to confirm that the person has cognitive decline, and to determine the specific cause when possible. Our Cognitive Decline Risk Profile tells you when you are most likely to benefit from screening; be sure to talk with your doctor for more information.
The best defense against cognitive decline is to avoid getting it in the first place. That's why risk factors are so important. By identifying which ones are raising your risk, and taking action to change those that you can, you'll reduce your chances of developing cognitive decline. Our Cognitive Decline Risk Profile helps you to take these important steps toward improving your health.