Aging can be a subtle process. The body’s functions don’t operate as smoothly as they once did. Wrinkles appear, joints become stiff, and overall strength declines. Alongside these external changes, internal transitions can also occur. The immune system weakens, eyesight deteriorates, and the brain’s clarity diminishes.
Brain health in adults is a significant topic because it impacts almost every aspect of life. The brain manages thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, hunger, and countless other processes. Given its complex role, it’s understandable to be concerned about the effects of an aging brain.
Typically, the brain experiences gradual changes as it ages. Cognitive abilities, like remembering names, numbers, and new facts, slow down. Depending on the environment, focusing on conversations while ignoring distractions can become more challenging. Multitasking also becomes harder.
The phenomenon of forgetting names or missing appointments becomes more common in our 30s and 40s because our brain volume starts to shrink. This shrinkage continues into our 60s.
This reduction in brain size doesn’t happen uniformly. The prefrontal cortex, cerebellum, and hippocampus are most affected. The cerebral cortex, or outer layer of the brain, also shows signs of thinning. In some cases, neuron production slows or stops. For people in their 60s and 70s, dopamine and serotonin levels drop, leading to signs of cognitive decline.
Considering these changes, it’s crucial to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support brain health. Research indicates that our brains remain somewhat plastic, meaning they can form new connections, especially in the neural part of the cortex.
Adopting healthy habits can seem daunting, especially for those with busy schedules. However, integrating activities like reading, puzzles, language learning, listening to music, and companionship care can significantly promote brain health. Learn more about the effects of brain health with our resources.
