By Our brain, like our body itself, changes and ages over the years. This does not always bring inconveniences, there are also advantages that you will be interested in knowing about. We explain them to you in the following reading.
The way the brain changes as we age is a topic that has always interested science. In a society with an increasingly long life expectancy, the goal is to reach advanced ages with cognitive functions in good condition. Thus, on average, the degenerative process of our brain begins between the ages of 30 and 40.
At this point, our cognitive function begins to decline slowly, until we reach the age of 60, when the rate of deterioration increases. However, although neurological aging is inevitable, there are strategies to slow down the process.
Leading an active lifestyle, training curiosity, learning new things every day and enjoying social connection are essential pillars. In the following article we provide you with more information on this subject.
Brains are like fingerprints. We all have one, but they are all different.
~ David Eagleman ~
Ways the brain changes as we age
Ageing is often seen in grey hair, wrinkles, skin and a body that becomes a little more fragile every day. However, the way the brain changes as we age is not visible and we barely notice it, as shown in a study published in the Postgraduate Medical Journal .
We do not do this because it is a process that progresses slowly, changing the size and vascularization of this organ, as well as cognition itself, decade by decade.
One of the most distinctive characteristics associated with age has to do with problems in the regeneration of brain tissue . Studies such as the one published in the journal Nature point out how the reduction in the number of stem cells influences this silent process. Let’s look in more detail at this internal journey that every person goes through and that science understands more and more.
Loss of brain volume
We mentioned it at the beginning. As we age, our brain loses a small amount of volume and mass. The explanation for this cause lies in the reduction of brain tissue mentioned above. Brain cells lose their connections and part of them gradually disappear. In addition, this loss of volume usually has the following characteristics:
- The areas that reduce their volume the most are the frontal lobe and the hippocampus.
- Frontal lobe volume may decrease by up to 12% (DeCarli et al. , 2005).
- Cortical thinning is also associated with slower processing of information.
- The reduction of these regions manifests itself at a cognitive level in failures in memory, attention and concentration .
White matter alterations
The white matter is one of the deepest areas of the brain. It is composed of nerve fibers wrapped in myelin that promote communication between the various neurological regions. Research such as that published in Brain Pathology highlights that it is common to see lesions in this region during aging.
Anatomical alterations in this structure are due to vascular problems, depression and possible signs of dementia. These small lesions in the white matter result in limitations in understanding and processing stimuli.
Changes in the structure of neurons
The way the brain changes as we age has a lot to do with the biochemistry of our nerve cells . One of the most common phenomena is the accumulation of excess proteins. Many of them stop generating functional synapses and some progressively atrophy.
It is important to note that this is part of natural aging. That is, not all of these changes are related to any neurodegenerative disease .
On the other hand, it is also worth highlighting a series of dysfunctions associated with the passing of time and which, once again, are not always pathological. At least that is the conclusion reached by professionals from the Department of Neurology at Hangyang University in Seoul. Below we list some of these disorders:
- mitochondrial dysfunction;
- alterations in cellular DNA;
- higher rates of inflammation;
- impairment of adaptive stress response;
- alterations in the release and production of neurotransmitters;
- problems appear in the mechanisms of cellular waste elimination.
There is less activity of the amygdala
If there is one aspect that we see in many older adults, it is a greater serenity and a more positive mood. The data is undoubtedly interesting, given that this factor could be due, according to science, to a neurological phenomenon linked to aging. It has been seen that with age, the hyperactivity of the amygdala decreases (Cacciopo et al. , 2011).
This region of the limbic system, responsible for regulating our emotional responses, has an alteration in its functionality that seems to have a positive impact on our well-being. This could help us reach older ages with a lower risk of suffering from depression.
The amygdala tends to show less activity in older age. This translates into lower emotional reactivity and better regulation of depressive symptoms.
Decreased brain plasticity
Brain plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to new habits and experiences. Interestingly, the way the brain changes as it ages also alters this important skill. This can affect us in the following ways:
- Trouble learning new skills.
- Limitation to adapt to different situations.
- Greater difficulties in responding to everyday problems and challenges.
However, although plasticity can decrease with age, maintaining good lifestyle habits over the years can preserve it . An article in the journal Aging points out the need for our elders to receive good cognitive stimulation and new challenges to enhance this very healthy capacity.
To enhance brain plasticity and reach advanced ages with better cognitive abilities, it is important to foster our curiosity, learn new things every day and stay connected with our friends and family.
Keys to promoting and caring for brain health
One of the greatest experts in neuroscience is undoubtedly David Eagleman. His book, Livewired: The Inside Story of the Ever-Changing Brain (2020), is a reference for better understanding the mechanisms of brain plasticity. It also helps us discover the mechanics of its changes and the mysteries of its functioning.
One important thing this work points out is that the way the brain changes as we age has a lot to do with our lifestyle habits and the context that surrounds us. While there are factors that are always beyond our control, such as developing a neurodegenerative disease, we can always promote changes to promote brain health .
Aging in the best way is in our hands and the keys we state below can help us:
- Take care of your mental health.
- Take care of your diet.
- Stimulate your curiosity.
- Learn something new every day.
- Boost your emotional intelligence .
- Learn techniques to regulate stress .
- Perform cognitive stimulation exercises.
- Read, learn to play a musical instrument.
- Enjoy social connection, meet new people.
- Keep an active life, walk, do some kind of sport.
- Set goals and challenges for yourself; never stop working towards an objective.
Protect your brain
To conclude, we invite you to put into practice the tips we have just shared with you, as this will help your brain age in the best possible way.
Remember that just as you protect your body every day, you should not hesitate to do the same for your brain . This fundamental organ still hides the same mysteries as the universe itself; however, it is our home, it contains our consciousness and everything we are. Promote its well-being and stimulate it.