Mental Decline

Definition

Mental decline or cognitive decline refers to decreased mental functioning over time including memory loss, difficulty concentrating or making decisions etc., often seen with aging.

Related terms

Dementia:

A general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.

Alzheimer's Disease:

A progressive disorder that causes brain cells to waste away (degenerate) and die. It's the most common cause of dementia — a continuous decline in thinking, behavioral and social skills that disrupts a person's ability to function independently.

Neuroplasticity:

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in their environment.