Decline
Decline
Decline (/dɪˈklaɪn/), from the Latin declinare meaning "to turn away", is a term used in various fields of medicine to describe a decrease or deterioration in the function or state of a living organism, particularly in the context of health and wellness.
In Medicine
In the field of medicine, decline is often used to describe a progressive decrease in a patient's health status. This can be due to a variety of factors, including the natural aging process, the progression of a disease, or the side effects of a treatment.
Related Terms
- Deterioration: A more severe form of decline, often associated with rapid or sudden changes in health status.
- Degeneration: A type of decline characterized by the gradual loss of function or structure in an organ or tissue.
- Atrophy: A specific type of decline where there is a decrease in the size of an organ or tissue due to a loss of cells.
In Psychology
In psychology, decline is often used to describe a decrease in cognitive abilities. This can be due to natural aging, disease, or injury.
Related Terms
- Cognitive decline: A decrease in cognitive abilities, such as memory and thinking skills.
- Neurodegeneration: A type of decline characterized by the loss of function or death of nerve cells.
- Dementia: A severe form of cognitive decline characterized by a loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities.
In Geriatrics
In geriatrics, decline is often used to describe the natural decrease in physical and cognitive abilities that occur with aging.
Related Terms
- Frailty: A state of increased vulnerability to decline due to aging.
- Senescence: The process of aging, often associated with a decline in physical and cognitive abilities.
- Geriatric syndromes: A collection of symptoms often associated with decline in older adults, such as falls, incontinence, and delirium.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Decline
- Wikipedia's article - Decline
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