Cognitive decline is a natural process associated with aging, but it can also be caused by various medical conditions and diseases. It refers to the decrease in a person’s cognitive or mental abilities, which may include memory, attention, reasoning, language, problem-solving, and other cognitive functions. Some of the main causes of cognitive decline may include:
Normal aging: Many individuals experience mild cognitive decline with age, especially after the age of 65. This may primarily affect short-term memory and information processing speed, but usually does not significantly impair daily functioning.
Alzheimer’s disease: This is one of the most common causes of severe and progressive cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, abstract thinking, language, and other cognitive functions. It develops slowly over time and can lead to loss of independence.
Other forms of dementia: There are many other medical conditions that can cause cognitive decline, such as vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia, among others. Each of these has specific symptoms and different causes.
Head injuries: Severe head trauma or brain injury can damage areas of the brain involved in cognitive functions, causing cognitive decline.
Neurological diseases: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke can negatively affect cognitive abilities.
Mental health issues: Some mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can impact cognitive function.
Medications and toxins: Prolonged use of certain medications or exposure to toxic substances can have a negative impact on cognitive functions.
Recent research (from in vitro studies) has highlighted how a diet rich in flavonoids can counteract cognitive decline. The diet focuses on increasing the intake of foods rich in flavonoids, natural antioxidants found in a wide range of plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, tea, dark chocolate, and red wine, offering several health benefits, including protecting the cardiovascular system, reducing inflammation, improving brain and immune system health, and exhibiting anticancer effects. The basic guidelines to follow for a flavonoid-rich diet are:
Increase fruit intake: Berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, and blackcurrants are particularly rich in flavonoids. Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruits, apples, grapes, and cherries also contain a good amount of these antioxidants.
Eat plenty of vegetables: Opt for dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard, as well as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Tomatoes, peppers, carrots, and onions also contain flavonoids.
Choose whole grains: Replace refined grains with whole grains like brown rice, oats, spelt, and quinoa, which also contain flavonoids.
Include legumes: Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas are flavonoid-rich foods that also provide plant-based protein and can be included in your diet.
Drink tea and indulge in dark chocolate: Green tea and black tea are flavonoid-rich beverages. Choose high-quality teas and have at least one cup a day. As for dark chocolate, try to consume a moderate amount, preferably with a high cocoa content (at least 70% or more).
Moderate red wine consumption: Red wine contains flavonoids, such as resveratrol, which may have benefits for heart health and cholesterol levels. However, it’s important to consume it in moderation, as alcohol abuse can be harmful to health.
Diversify your diet: Try to include a variety of flavonoid-rich foods in your diet to benefit from a broad spectrum of antioxidants.
Remember to adapt this diet to your personal needs and consult a healthcare professional or dietitian before making significant changes to your diet. Additionally, it’s important to choose fresh and seasonal foods to maximize flavonoid intake. Avoid processed or industrialized foods that may contain harmful additives. Remember that the flavonoid diet should not be seen as a miraculous solution but rather as a healthy and balanced way to nourish your body with antioxidants naturally present in plant-based foods.
Of course, in all of this, even with a proper diet rich, as mentioned above, in flavonoids, it’s important to emphasize that cognitive decline can vary from person to person, and not all elderly individuals or those affected by a cognitive disease necessarily experience the same degree of decline or the same symptoms. The diagnosis and treatment of cognitive decline depend on the underlying cause and may include pharmacological therapies, cognitive therapies, lifestyle interventions, and medical and psychological support. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic approach can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life of individuals affected by cognitive decline.
*The information contained in this article is not for diagnostic purposes, and in no case does it replace medical consultation. We remind you that in case of disorders and/or diseases, it is always necessary to consult your primary care physician or specialist.
Ig – @fairness_mag
