cognitive decline

Meanings

1. 1noununcountablemedical

   A gradual loss of mental abilities such as memory, thinking, or attention.

   Grammar: Used without an article; no plural form is standard.

   Patterns

   • show cognitive decline
   • experience cognitive decline
   • age-related cognitive decline

   Older adults may show mild cognitive decline, especially in memory.

   The study found that regular exercise can slow cognitive decline.

   Severe cognitive decline can interfere with daily activities.

2. 2noununcountablemedical

   The process of mental abilities becoming weaker over time, often due to illness or aging.

   Grammar: Often used with 'mild', 'severe', or 'rapid' to describe the degree.

   Patterns

   • mild cognitive decline
   • rapid cognitive decline
   • cognitive decline in older adults

   Mild cognitive decline is a normal part of aging for many people.

   Rapid cognitive decline may be a sign of dementia.

   Doctors monitor patients for any signs of cognitive decline.

Common combinations

age-related cognitive decline

Age-related cognitive decline can affect memory and processing speed.

slow cognitive decline

A healthy diet may help slow cognitive decline.

signs of cognitive decline

Early signs of cognitive decline include forgetting recent events.

cognitive decline in older adults

Cognitive decline in older adults is a common concern.

Synonyms and how they differ

mental deterioration

More formal and often suggests a more serious or irreversible loss.

cognitive impairment

Broader; it can include decline but also refers to problems present from birth or injury.

Opposites

Word family

cognition noun

The mental processes of knowing, thinking, and remembering.

cognitive adjective

Relating to thinking and understanding.

decline verb

To become weaker or less.

Commonly confused: cognitive decline or dementia?

Practice

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