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Articles
While many people over the age of 50 worry about fading vision or the steady creep of arthritis in formerly supple joints, most don't worry about one of the most important organs in the human body: the brain. Brain health is just as important as you age as any other body part or system, and yet it is often the most neglected.
Adults over the age of 50 lose a number of brain cells on a daily basis, and studies have shown that about 2 percent of the brain declines in weight and volume every decade. While just about everyone over the age of 45 starts to show some decline in memory function, such is often excused as merely the effect of busy lives and schedules. However, more people than ever before are becoming educated and aware of one of the most invasive diseases that can affect an adult brain: Alzheimer's. While prevalence of Alzheimer's may be genetic, studies have yet to pinpoint the cause of the disease and many people afflicted with it suffer from various stages and symptoms at a faster rate than others.
However, as for general aging, we start to lose some cognitive ability as we advance in years. According to the American Federation for Aging Research, our cognitive abilities maintain an even keel throughout our 30s and 40s, but by the time we hit our late 50s and early 60s, there is a small decline in memory, processing speed and attention span. By the time we reach our 70s and beyond, there may be a noticeable decline in mental aptitude.
Is there a way to keep the brain healthy and strong? Yes! As a matter of fact, studies have shown that if the brain is kept healthy and strong and active, only 30-40 percent of the population may experience a serious decline in mental or cognitive abilities as age progresses.
What are some ways that those over 50 can keep the brain "young"? The key is staying active, both mentally and physically. Whenever we practice something or learn something new, we create automatic reactions. Such mental exercise strengthens brain cell networks and preserves mental functions. Learn a new language or even attempt to complete the New York Times Crossword Puzzle every day. The key is to keep the mind active and engaged in new tasks as often as possible. Continued learning helps to create stronger, denser nerve-cell connections.
Keep busy with physical activities as well. Aerobic exercise in many different forms sharpens memory skills. Something as simple as walking helps to reduce stress as well as keeping the mind free of excess clutter.
Engaging in discussions and group activities keeps the mind active as well. Studies have shown that those who live isolated from others experience a faster rate of brain health decline than those who stay socially, emotionally and physically active.
In addition, adults over 50 who experience isolation are much more likely to become depressed. The result is that more doctors prescribe more medications, especially antidepressants, to treat such episodes of depression than ever before, rather than encouraging people to change their lifestyle or living habits. The CDC recently released findings that nearly 2.4 billion drugs are prescribed each year. High blood pressure and antidepressant medications make up nearly 225 million of those. Since antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs affect brain chemistry, such statistics don't bode well for the mental health or acuity of those sustaining long-term use. Finding alternative ways to combat loneliness, depression and anxiety will go a long way toward ensuring sharp minds and healthy brains.
Brains don't have to decline with age. As a matter of fact, brain health can increase with age. While learning anything new may take a little longer, the brain is as capable of learning at 50, 60 or even 80 as it was when it was 20 or 30. Better yet, skills learned at a younger age have grown sharper by the time we hit our late 40s and 50s. Short-term memory is as sharp as ever.
Think about it: everything we do and feel elicits a memory cell in our brain. While some areas of the brain do lose cells and nerve connections as we grow older, many other parts of the brain remain and function the same way at 50 or over as it did in our youth. Certain areas of the brain, such as the hippocampus, where new memories are created, generate new brain cells on a regular basis.
To keep the brain active and healthy, make sure to stay connected with family and friends. Socialize. Those who maintain regular get-togethers with friends and acquaintances live longer and show a slower decline in brain function.
A proper diet rich in vegetables and antioxidants also helps. Recent studies have shown that those who ingest leafy vegetables in their 60s show a lower rate of decline in brain health and processing speed in memory and learning tests. Antioxidants are now known to prevent oxidation damage to cells. Keep that rust out of your brain cells and slow down the aging process by eating foods and fruits high in antioxidants. Some of the best are not only dark, leafy vegetables, but berries, raisins and oranges as well.
Taking care of overall general health will go a long way toward maintaining optimal brain health as well. A proper amount of daily exercise, a nutritious and balanced diet, and most especially, social interaction are some of the best ways you can keep your brain feeling young and sharp. |
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