Age-Related Cognitive Decline

Overview
Studies confirm that the ability to remember details about our experiences, to manipulate multiple bits of information at the same time, and to identify the source of what we have learned often declines as we get older. This process actually begins as early as age 30, though it accelerates and becomes more noticeable after age 50. Although these cognitive changes can be annoying—and ultimately, can limit your activities and interests—they are part of normal aging.

Of course, there are other more serious forms of cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Often, people with normal age-related changes in cognition worry that what they're experiencing are the first symptoms of dementia. Usually a trip to the doctor can help clear up any confusion and reduce anxiety.

While normal age-related cognitive decline generally does not cause the extreme distress of dementia, it can still impact self-confidence, mood, quality of life, and even independence.

Find out more about age-related cognitive decline (here called age-associated memory impairment) >

What Can I Do?
One of the most common questions we hear is, "what can I do to stay sharp as I age?" Research has shown that the best approach to staying mentally fit is to live a brain-healthy lifestyle. This means increasing brain healthy foods in your diet, getting regular physical exercise, and adding a brain training program to your daily life. Posit Science brain training programs have been clinically proven to help people think faster, focus better, and remember more.

Learn about brain foods and sign up for our recipe of the week program >

See 14 quick tips for adding brain healthy activities to your everyday life >

Published Studies
Find out the latest research on age-related cognitive decline:

1. Learn about the IMPACT study – the largest controlled randomized clinical trial of any brain fitness program to date. Participants in the active group who used the Brain Fitness Program increased their auditory processing speed by 131% and experienced an improvement in memory equivalent to approximately 10 years. Improvements generalized beyond trained tasks to other measures of memory. Three out of four people who used the Posit Science program self-reported positive changes in their everyday lives.
2. Learn how just 10 hours of Posit Science training contributes to better health overall, and may even help people live longer.
3. Learn how people who do 10 hours of Posit Science training have a lower risk of becoming depressed over the next year vs. people who don't do the training.
4. Learn more about research that shows that Posit Science brain training reduces future medical expenditures.

Proven in Lives
Posit Science brain training software has been an important tool for many older adults who want to stay mentally sharp. Here are a few of their stories:

	Ron Ryan thought he'd have to turn in his pilot's uniform and stop flying planes. He was amazed that doing the Brain Fitness Program got him back at the top of his game, and safely back in the air doing what he loves. Watch Ron's story.
	Debbie Reed felt like a bored baby boomer- until Posit Science programs unleashed her enthusiasm and creative spirit, making her feel young and energetic all over again. Read Debbie's story.
	Arthur Marquis struggled to learn French at age 61- until the Brain Fitness Program sharpened his senses and got him speaking like a native. Read Arthur's story.