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Senior Times: The aging brain has staying power
By TERRY MAXWELL/Arizona Range News
While it may not be possible to completely age-proof our brains, new anti-aging research shows that our gray matter may be far more flexible than previously believed by gerontologists. Therefore, no one, no matter how old they are, has to lose their mind, unless they are inflicted with dementia-related diseases.
Our brain has often been called the three-pound universe, which directs our life in every detail. Perhaps, it is the most powerful and mysterious organ in the body. It is understandable that the mere notion of an aging, failing brain with the prospect of memory loss, confusion, and the breaking apart of our cherished personality is so terrifying.
About a third of all people, age 60 and over, have a degree of short-term memory loss that is measurable with testing. At least 25 percent of people age 85 and over suffer from dementia, which is the loss of memory and cognitive function, the ability to comprehend words, carry out motor functions and recognize or identify objects
Mark Williams, M.D., author of the "American Geriatrics Society's Complete Guide to Aging and Health", says, "To many elderly people, the fear of dementia is stronger than the fear of death, itself."
However, the degeneration of our brain is far from inevitable during our lifespan. There is no reason to expect it to dramatically change with advancing age, even though many of us are living longer and more productive lives.
Only a few years ago, we thought Alzheimer's disease was a reality of aging. Currently, it's recognized as a distinct pathology that can be slowed down to some extent and possibly cured in the next decade or two.
The latest research shows mounting evidence that we can take greater control of our lives by making a genuine effort to keep our brains agile and fit. Activity seems to be the key.
In fact, mental and physical challenges are connected to cerebral fitness. This finding was based to a large extent on a decade of research by the MacArthur Foundation Network on Successful Aging.
Studies point out that there is a direct correlation between the amount and density of nerve-cell branching and the degree of education one achieves. However, a closer look reveals that it is unclear whether formal education helps keep the brain healthy, or whether it leads the individual to live a more interesting and intellectually stimulating life.
Some of the most intriguing evidence for the flexibility of the aging brain is derived from scans of the brain at rest and while challenged by mental tasks.
In one major study, using brain scans that compared people in their 20s with those 60 to 75, Dr. Cheryl L. Grady, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging, found that younger people were quicker to respond and more accurate in recognizing faces, and used diverse areas of their brains during the task, compared to older people.
But in similar studies at the institute comparing people from 20 to 40 with those 55 and older, the older group was able to recognize the faces with about the same degree of accuracy. However, they needed more time to do so compared to the younger group.
It is encouraging to note that in the elderly without chronic disease, the brain withstands aging very well.
"Some people perform tasks effectively all their life," said Dr. Judith Saxton, a psychologist at the University of Michigan Medical Center, who analyzed data from a two-year study of 700 men and women from 65 to 92 years of age.
As older people, what can we do to help maintain a healthy and vibrant brain?
We can take care of our physical health and exercise more. Eat a low-fat and low cholesterol diet. It possibly can help keep your brain healthy. As an additional benefit, a healthy diet can protect you to some extent from high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and other illnesses that can deprive the brain of oxygen-enriched blood. Smoking and excessive drinking can also have a toxic effect on the brain.
If possible, take control of your life and reduce stress. The more you are in control of your own destiny, the better your brain will age over time.
Socialize, stay involved and keep your mind active. Studies show that friendships and support groups prevent stress and isolation, build confidence and stimulate the mind. Activities like adult education and volunteer work enhance your social life and mental dexterity.
It is important to understand that knowledge and vocabulary can grow as we age, even though our speed of retrieval slows a bit. We should never fall victim to societal myths that suggest that cognitive decline and dementia are part of the aging process and should be expected in old age
(Editor's Note: Terry Maxwell can be reached by e-mail at terrancefntn@aol.com)
Our brain has often been called the three-pound universe, which directs our life in every detail. Perhaps, it is the most powerful and mysterious organ in the body. It is understandable that the mere notion of an aging, failing brain with the prospect of memory loss, confusion, and the breaking apart of our cherished personality is so terrifying.
About a third of all people, age 60 and over, have a degree of short-term memory loss that is measurable with testing. At least 25 percent of people age 85 and over suffer from dementia, which is the loss of memory and cognitive function, the ability to comprehend words, carry out motor functions and recognize or identify objects
Mark Williams, M.D., author of the "American Geriatrics Society's Complete Guide to Aging and Health", says, "To many elderly people, the fear of dementia is stronger than the fear of death, itself."
However, the degeneration of our brain is far from inevitable during our lifespan. There is no reason to expect it to dramatically change with advancing age, even though many of us are living longer and more productive lives.
Only a few years ago, we thought Alzheimer's disease was a reality of aging. Currently, it's recognized as a distinct pathology that can be slowed down to some extent and possibly cured in the next decade or two.
The latest research shows mounting evidence that we can take greater control of our lives by making a genuine effort to keep our brains agile and fit. Activity seems to be the key.
In fact, mental and physical challenges are connected to cerebral fitness. This finding was based to a large extent on a decade of research by the MacArthur Foundation Network on Successful Aging.
Studies point out that there is a direct correlation between the amount and density of nerve-cell branching and the degree of education one achieves. However, a closer look reveals that it is unclear whether formal education helps keep the brain healthy, or whether it leads the individual to live a more interesting and intellectually stimulating life.
Some of the most intriguing evidence for the flexibility of the aging brain is derived from scans of the brain at rest and while challenged by mental tasks.
In one major study, using brain scans that compared people in their 20s with those 60 to 75, Dr. Cheryl L. Grady, a neuroscientist at the National Institute on Aging, found that younger people were quicker to respond and more accurate in recognizing faces, and used diverse areas of their brains during the task, compared to older people.
But in similar studies at the institute comparing people from 20 to 40 with those 55 and older, the older group was able to recognize the faces with about the same degree of accuracy. However, they needed more time to do so compared to the younger group.
It is encouraging to note that in the elderly without chronic disease, the brain withstands aging very well.
"Some people perform tasks effectively all their life," said Dr. Judith Saxton, a psychologist at the University of Michigan Medical Center, who analyzed data from a two-year study of 700 men and women from 65 to 92 years of age.
As older people, what can we do to help maintain a healthy and vibrant brain?
We can take care of our physical health and exercise more. Eat a low-fat and low cholesterol diet. It possibly can help keep your brain healthy. As an additional benefit, a healthy diet can protect you to some extent from high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and other illnesses that can deprive the brain of oxygen-enriched blood. Smoking and excessive drinking can also have a toxic effect on the brain.
If possible, take control of your life and reduce stress. The more you are in control of your own destiny, the better your brain will age over time.
Socialize, stay involved and keep your mind active. Studies show that friendships and support groups prevent stress and isolation, build confidence and stimulate the mind. Activities like adult education and volunteer work enhance your social life and mental dexterity.
It is important to understand that knowledge and vocabulary can grow as we age, even though our speed of retrieval slows a bit. We should never fall victim to societal myths that suggest that cognitive decline and dementia are part of the aging process and should be expected in old age
(Editor's Note: Terry Maxwell can be reached by e-mail at terrancefntn@aol.com)
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