Three misconceptions about cognitive aging

Cognitive aging refers to the changes a person undergoes in their ability to think, sense and reason as they get older. It seems simple enough, but in fact, it’s a subject that’s rife with misconceptions. Here are three of them:

1. Cognitive aging is synonymous with cognitive decline
Health professionals judge that it’s incorrect to speak of a decline, given that cognitive aging is a natural process and one characterized by enormous variability. It’s true that a person’s memory tends to become less sharp as they age and their mental processes tend to slow. However, this isn’t the same thing as a change in intelligence. In fact, there’s no reason cognitive aging should interfere with a person continuing to learn new skills as they get older.

2. Cognitive aging is connected to Alzheimer’s disease
While the signs of cognitive aging resemble the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease to some degree, the two should not be confused. Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by severe declines in cognitive capabilities. Cognitive aging, on the other hand, isn’t a disease but a natural part of getting older; the changes in cognitive ability to which it refers vary and are gradual.

3. Nothing can be done about age-related cognitive changes.
Cognitive aging may be a natural process, but the extent to which one’s ability to think, sense and reason will change over the years can be controlled. You can be mentally sharp at any age. To attend to your cognitive health, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends the following:

• Be physically active. Physical health goes hand-in-hand with mental health.

• Be socially and intellectually active. Seek out new experiences and new learning opportunities.

• Make sure you’re sleeping well. The quality of your sleep directly impacts your cognitive functioning. Consult a health professional if you’re having trouble sleeping.

• Manage your medications. Certain medications can negatively affect one’s cognitive functions.

Consult with your doctor if you’re concerned about the effect of your medications, or if you want to learn more about maintaining your cognitive health.