Cognitive decline

What is subjective cognitive decline (SCD)?

Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD) refers to a person’s perception of a decrease in cognitive performance, even when medical tests show no objective impairments and there is no impact on daily functioning. In other words, the individual feels that something has changed in their mental abilities, even if clinical assessments have not yet detected a decline⁽¹⁾.

It often manifests as more frequent forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, or the sense that one is “not performing as well as before,” and may even be noticed first by those close to the person. 

Although SCD does not necessarily lead to a neurodegenerative disease, scientific evidence suggests that it may represent a preclinical stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Various studies have associated SCD with a higher risk of progression to mild cognitive impairment or dementia, especially when brain biomarkers are altered⁽¹⁾.

Why is early detection important?

Acting during early phases like SCD allows for intervention before structural damage occurs in the brain. This window of opportunity is critical, as current treatments cannot reverse the course of dementia once it is established.

Risk factors: A key to prevention

The development of cognitive decline is not solely dependent on age or genetics. There are modifiable factors that we can target even before a clinical diagnosis appears, according to The Lancet Commission⁽²⁾.

Key modifiable risk factors include:

• Physical inactivity.
• Unhealthy diet.
• Social isolation.
• Poor sleep quality.
• Cardiovascular diseases (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes…).

The PENSA trial has shown that simultaneous intervention on these factors, along with the use of specific supplements such as FontUp^®, improves cognitive performance and may delay progression to more advanced stages of decline.

Prevalence and consequences

According to the MEMIND study, 31% of adults over 50 in Spain report subjective memory complaints. Among those over 75, this figure rises to 44%⁽³⁾.

These individuals have a significantly higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Since there are currently no effective pharmaceutical treatments to stop this process, preventive strategies are crucial. Intervening during the SCD stage provides a unique window to act before irreversible neuronal damage occurs.

The role of dietary supplements

In the absence of treatments that can alter the course of cognitive decline, specialized dietary supplements represent an innovative tool for prevention. In stages such as SCD, where brain damage is not yet structural, it is possible to positively influence the clinical trajectory.

FontUp^® is a supplement specifically developed to support cognitive function and is part of the PENSA study – a pioneering clinical trial that combines nutritional interventions, physical exercise, cognitive stimulation, and risk factor management in individuals with SCD and risk of Alzheimer’s⁽⁴⁾.

This multidimensional strategy aims to intervene early, leveraging the preventive potential of a comprehensive approach to brain health.