Geography of the Aging Brain
As we age, the landscape of our physical brain starts to change. What are the consequences of these changes, and is there a way to delay, reverse or completely avoid these changes for as long as we can? Studies show that there are numerous ways we can enhance what we have, and even reverse some of the features of the aging brain. Let’s explore the geography of the aging brain.
Our Brain’s Changing Landscape
- Our brain mass/volume decreases. Areas responsible for human behaviour and emotions, and learning and memory all start to shrink with age.
- Our working memory starts to decline, so you may notice your ability to retain a piece of information in mind such as passwords, car parking, start to get harder to recall.
- Our fluid intelligence also starts to decrease such as problem-solving and speed of processing.
- The physical thinning of our cerebral cortex results in making fewer connections, which contributes to slower cognitive processing.
- Our myelin starts to shrink, slowing down cognition – myelinated nerve fibres transmit nerve signals between brain cells.
- Our ability to form new neurons starts to decline.
Tend to Your Brain like a Garden
Like anything that is alive and grows, our brain also needs maintenance, nutrition, stimulation and love in order to thrive. Naturally, we cannot stop the hands of time, but let’s not run to our end by ignoring our physical health. Read on for some solutions on how to keep our brain health squarely on track for as long as possible …
Aerobic exercise and Heart-healthy diet
According to a study published in Neurology, a combination of regular aerobic exercise and the implementation of the heart-healthy diet DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) had the best results in participants. Mental skills such as working memory, flexible thinking and self-control all benefited in adults with cognitive issues but no dementia and for those with risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Regular exercise alone produces some benefits in this area; but living on the DASH diet alone does not produce much benefits. It is the combination of the two that produces the most powerful results. This approach is recommended for anyone who wants to keep a heart healthy and dementia far away.
You can read more about the DASH diet here. For regular aerobic exercises, check out your local community centre or gym and see if they have memberships for seniors. You can also check out our offerings of virtual recreation classes here.
Finding creative ways of boosting your cognitive health and fight brain aging can be tricky or overwhelming. Which is why we put together these handy graphics! Feel free to screenshot or memorize!
You must weed your mind as you would weed your garden.
Astrid Alauda