Cognitive decline is defined by the alteration of one or more cognitive functions. Cognitive functions allow us to carry out any task, giving our brain capacities for perception, coordination, concentration, acquisition, etc. “From the age of 50 or 60, we tend to have a small decrease in our cognitive functions. This is a natural aging, which is benign and has no impact on decision-making, judgment skills or autonomy. Life remains strictly normal.” reminds us Dr Jean Philippe Delabrousse-Mayoux, neurologist at the Samuel Pozzi Hospital Center.
“Depending on the cognitive functions affected, several clinical pictures exist, he continues. But in all cases, the first symptom, on the cognitive or behavioral level, is always a sign that appears and is new compared to the person’s usual state. Among the warning signs of cognitive decline are: memory loss; difficulty retaining new information; difficulty planning and solving simple problems; difficulties finding words, organizing a speech, a language; behavioral changes; an alteration of mood…
“The patient does not systematically present several symptoms, continues the neurologist. He can enter into cognitive decline by having a language disorder for example, by having difficulty reasoning, programming, planning actions or even no longer remembering the operation of a device, for example a remote control. The person can also abandon their activities or withdraw into themselves and this is a good element in favor of a cognitive modification of the person. Loss of judgment, impaired discernment or difficulty making decisions are potentially warning signs.
Mild cognitive impairment can lead to minor forgetfulness, a slowdown in the speed of information processing or a reduction in responsiveness. “These symptoms can be linked to age and when this is the case, there is little impact on daily autonomy. When the alteration of cognitive functions has an impact on the autonomy of the person, the cognitive disorder is major and is most often linked to dementia or a degenerative disease (Alzheimer’s for example, editor’s note)” adds Dr Delabrousse-Mayoux. There you have to consult.
In summary, cognitive decline can take several forms, but always with a modification of the patient’s previous state. The person’s life is normal, and suddenly, they experience small difficulties either in speaking, organizing, planning or using an object that they were used to using (drill, remote control, etc.). She withdraws into herself, her behavior changes. In all cases, the earlier cognitive decline is diagnosed, the more chance the patient has of slowing down the impact on their autonomy.