Throughout life, the brain undergoes transformations: a loss of volume occurs, and the speed of information processing slows down. However, the rate of these modifications is individual for everyone. We found out what exactly happens to the brain over time and what factors contribute to the preservation of its functions. Age-Related Brain Transformations According to the US National Institute on Aging, difficulties in finding the right words, concentrating, and acquiring new knowledge are common even in perfectly healthy people. With age, the speed of processing incoming data decreases, multitasking becomes challenging, and moments of forgetfulness attract more attention, although they also occur in youth. At the same time, the impact of age-related changes on different types of skills is uneven. Alongside a decrease in the speed of thinking, a person also gains new advantages. In older age, vocabulary expands, the understanding of word meanings deepens, and accumulated life experience contributes to more accurate situation assessment and decision-making. The speed of these changes varies significantly among different people. For some, memory deficits appear earlier, while for others, it remains at a youthful level even by age 70. Factors such as diet, level of physical activity, blood vessel health, and the extent of intellectual load placed on the brain influence the speed of age-related processes. Scientists explained what relatives of people suffering from dementia need to know Structural Modifications The volume of areas such as the frontal lobes and the hippocampus—regions responsible for planning, remembering events, and forming new memories—gradually decreases. As a rule, this process begins after 60–70 years of age. According to the American Brain Foundation, the cerebral cortex thins. The volume of myelin (the fatty insulation of nerve fibers) decreases, which affects the speed of nerve impulse transmission. The amount of gray matter decreases with age, and white matter, after peaking around middle age (about 40 years old), also begins to shrink. MRI scans often reveal changes in white matter, indicating damage to the smallest blood vessels. Such changes often accompany neurodegenerative disorders. Normally, neurons continuously synthesize new proteins, correct their structure, direct them to the necessary parts of the cell, and then renew them by removing worn-out elements. Results from a study by Stanford biologists show that this cycle slows down with age. Incorrectly folded proteins begin to accumulate and aggregate, disrupting the normal activity of neurons. Over time, this leads to a decrease in cell efficiency and negatively affects cognitive functions. Chemical changes exacerbate this effect. With age, the activity of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine decreases. These substances are involved in regulating emotions, attention, the speed of thought processes, and memory. Cells receive insufficient energy because their energy centers—mitochondria—function less intensively than before. More damaged molecules accumulate inside them, and the systems responsible for their removal work less effectively. In neurons, there are also areas of damaged DNA that the cell is no longer able to repair. As a result, cells become more vulnerable and susceptible to damage. Old age is not a sentence: studies refute 7 common myths How to Slow Down Brain Aging Maintaining regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and constant mental engagement help slow down age-related changes in the brain. Training supports neuron viability, and the MIND-type diet (emphasizing vegetables, berries, whole grains, nuts, fish) minimizes the risk of memory problems. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) emphasizes that learning new skills, reading, and active communication strengthen connections between brain cells and help maintain brain plasticity. Material from the American Brain Foundation highlights that stress management and sufficient sleep also play a critical role. Prolonged stress and lack of sleep accelerate aging, so meditation practices, walks, and maintaining a consistent rest schedule help protect the brain. Controlling blood pressure, sugar levels, and abstaining from smoking and alcohol support the tone of brain vessels and reduce the likelihood of age-related disorders. Unexpected consequence of alcohol consumption named Summary Over time, the brain loses volume, signal transmission slows down, and cells cope less effectively with repairing damage. The dynamics of these changes are not the same for everyone: for some, memory decline occurs earlier, while for others, it remains stable even in advanced age. Lifestyle significantly influences this process. Regular physical exercise, a diet dominated by plant-based foods and fish, mental and social activity, quality nighttime rest, and monitoring overall health help the brain maintain its functionality longer. These measures do not eliminate age-related changes but slow their pace and support the quality of life.
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