It's an invisible facet of the aging process, but more critically linked to maintaining health, functionality, and autonomy than perhaps all else: brain health. From infancy to adulthood, the brain is in a constant state of growth, forming more than a million new neural connections every second in the earliest years of life and achieving 90 percent of its adult volume by age 6.
Beginning as early as our 30s, however, our brains begin to shrink at an ever-increasing rate. These changes include decreasing brain mass, which is notably more significant in the frontal lobe and hippocampus - the areas responsible for cognitive function; thinning cortical density, shrinking white matter; and cognitive decline resulting from aging neurotransmitter systems. These physiological changes translate into frustrating problems with memory, diminished attention spans, and a marked decrease in the ability to multitask for aging adults. With these changes, older adults might experience memory challenges like difficulty recalling names or words, decreased attention, or a decreased ability to multitask.
While many of the impacts of aging are unavoidable, much can be done to maximize brain health, which includes cognitive health, as well as motor, emotional, and tactile functionality. According to neurosurgeon and healthy aging expert Dr. Sanjay Gupta, incorporating some basic preventative measures in your daily routine, can make a significant difference later in life, particularly in your risk for dementia-related diseases like Alzheimer's. In fact, data from two separate National Institute of Health studies show an incredible 60 percent reduction in risk among those with the greatest number of healthy behaviors. "The brain is malleable and changeable, and can improve throughout our lives," says Gupta, who specifically points to five primary contributors to brain health: physical health, intellectual stimulation, quality sleep, healthy diet, and socialization.
Physical Health:
- Complete regular recommended health screenings
- Manage chronic conditions appropriately (particularly high blood pressure and diabetes)
- Get regular exercise
- Practice relaxation strategies to manage stress
- Don't smoke.
Healthy Diet:
Eat a well-rounded, predominantly whole foods diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, and limit solid fats, sugar, alcohol, and salt. And drink plenty of water!
Quality Sleep:
Get seven to eight hours of quality sleep a night. Address any sleep problems early and aggressively with the help of your doctor.
Intellectual Stimulation:
- Engage in personally meaningful work, activities, and hobbies
- Keep learning new things and engaging your curiosity
- Read books and magazines
- Try some mental training exercises, games, and puzzle.
Socialization:
Studies show that regularly connecting with others at social gatherings and through community activities helps to keep the brain active and reduce isolation, while positively impacting cognitive function.
While mild forgetfulness and changes in our thought patterns are a normal part of aging, concerning changes to your memory and brain functioning should always be evaluated by your doctor.
For insurance questions, call or contact InSouth Insurance Services today.