“Cognitive well being is [your] capability to suppose clearly, study, and keep in mind,” explains Julie Rowin, M.D., FAAN, DABMA, integrative neurologist at Verde Valley Naturopathic Drugs.
This features a vary of important mind capabilities, resembling consideration, reasoning, response time, and reminiscence. It additionally consists of your capability to course of info, navigate relationships, and develop plans and conclusions, provides Rowin.
Nevertheless, as with all elements of the physique, the mind (and subsequently, cognitive well-being) naturally adjustments as you age. For starters, neurons (nerve cells) shrink over time, which reduces grey matter within the mind.
Grey matter is the tissue concerned in every day cognitive functioning. Neurogenesis, or the manufacturing of latest nerve cells, additionally slows down later in life, which might finally affect optimum cognition.
These adjustments are a standard a part of getting older, that means everybody experiences them to some extent as they age. “Some older people could discover that they’re not as quick as youthful adults on duties that require studying and reminiscence,” Rowin explains.
Different cognitive capabilities resembling consideration and decision-making may also shift with age.