> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cogna8-io.gitbook.io/docs/core-concepts/decay-and-relevance.md).

# Decay and Relevance

Not all state remains equally relevant forever. Cogna8 models this through a decay system that gradually reduces an item's relevance over time.

## What Affects Relevance

Relevance is influenced by time since confirmation, the governance weight of the state type, and how actively the state is being referenced. Types representing firm commitments and constraints resist decay more than types representing opinions or assumptions.

{% hint style="warning" %}
When a state item's relevance drops below the active threshold, it transitions to a terminal status. It no longer participates in governance but is preserved in the audit trail.
{% endhint %}

## Preventing Decay

Decay can be reset by re-confirming the information in conversation or manually refreshing it through the State Panel.