Cognition is the set of processes related to the function of knowledge and involving memory, language, reasoning, intelligence, learning, perception or attention…
The proper functioning of cognitive functions depends on the integrity of the brain, whose state reaches its maximum level at the beginning of adulthood but which has the particularity of being “plastic” and continues to evolve throughout life.
There are great inequalities in the face of cognitive decline
Cognition specialists agree that aging is accompanied by a decline in cognitive performance.
Despite this apparent consensus, there are great inequalities in the face of cognitive decline:
– A significant number of centenarians do not show signs of cognitive decline and at the same time there is an Alzheimer’s “epidemic” whose clinical signs can appear before 60 years!
– Some cognitive functions are resistant to aging, others can even improve with age such as semantic memory.
– The level of education and lifestyle are markers of the level of cognitive functions.
In short, many questions arise about modulation or even the reversibility of certain aspects of cognitive decline.
The factors of performance and cognitive decline can be classified into several categories:
– The intrinsic factors that make use of genetics, epigenetics and certain pathologies (diabetes …).
– Extrinsic factors related to behavior (diet, sleep, physical and intellectual exercises …).
– Biochemical causes: oxidative stress and glycation.
Taking control of aging requires good knowledge and good control of the mechanisms of cognitive performance. This implies medical management including all these factors without waiting for the first clinical signs of decline.
To be continued…
