Neuroplasticity - the Brain's Fountain of Youth

Our brains age, just like our bodies. It happens to everyone whether you are a nuclear physicist, or you have never worked. Our brain shrinks as we get older. Neurons (brain cells) are dying in the regions of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.  These areas are responsible for memory, learning, planning, and other complex mental tasks.  Changes in our neurons and neurotransmitters affect communication between the cells in the brain.   Therefore, we don’t take in information and have a response as fast as when we were younger.  This is called processing speed.

These changes didn’t sit well with me.  At the time I started experiencing these aging changes, I was not familiar with how the brain worked.  It scared me to the core.  It was then that I started researching the workings of the aging brain.  The knowledge that I was in the aging brain zone was bittersweet.  But what I discovered was that I was not on the slippery slope to dementia.  The moment that I discovered that I could reverse these aging changes felt like a life-saving event for me.

We can see and understand what is happening with our aging bodies.  What is a mystery to us are the aging changes that are occurring with our aging brain. These aging changes mean that our cognitive abilities become altered. 

These are the changes that happen:

·      Brain Mass: while brain volume decreases overall with age, the frontal lobe and hippocampus — the areas responsible for cognitive functions — shrink more than other areas of the brain.

o   Frontal lobes — behind the forehead: largest lobes inn the human brain; considered to be the human behavior and emotional control centers of personalities.

o   The Hippocampus — embedded deep within the temporal lobe; plays a major part in learning and memory.

·      Cortical Density: This refers to the thinning of the outer corrugated surface of the brain due to decreasing synaptic connections.

o   The Cerebral Cortex — the wrinkled outer layer of the brain that contains neuronal cell bodies also thins with age.

o   Lower density leads to fewer connections, which also contributes to slower cognitive processing.

·      White Matter: Consists of myelinated nerve fibers that are bundled into tracts and transmit nerve signals between brain cells.

o   Myelin shrinks with age, slowing down processing and reducing cognitive function.

o   White matter is a vast, intertwining system of neural connections that join all four lobes of the brain (frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital), and the brain’s emotional center in the limbic system.

·      Neurotransmitter System: The brain begins to produce different levels of chemicals that affect neurotransmitters and protein production, ultimately leading to a decline in cognitive function.

Why the neuroscience lesson? These changes have a major impact on brain function in older adults.  This translates into these realities:

·      Difficulty learning something new: Committing new information to memory can take longer.

·      Multitasking: Slow processing can make planning parallel tasks more difficult.

·      Recalling names and numbers: Strategic memory, which helps with remembering names and numbers, begins to decline at age 20.

·      Remembering appointments: Without cues to recall the information, the brain may put appointments into “storage” and not access them unless something jogs the person’s memory.

Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity

It was the discovery of neurogenesis (growth of new brain cells) and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and adapt and get stronger through mental exercise) that brought light to the fact that intricate cellular and molecular processes allow the brain to forge new neural pathways!

Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s capacity to change and adapt throughout life by forming new connections and strengthening existing ones.  It involves changes in brain structure (growth of new neurons or synapses) and function.

The process of neuroplasticity is ongoing and occurs across the human lifespan.

Neuroplasticity plays a critical role in numerous areas of brain functioning such as:

·      Learning

·      Memory

·      Sensory processing

·      Motor processing

·      Emotional regulation

Key points about neuroplasticity and the aging brain:

·      Lifelong adaptability:

o   While the brain naturally undergoes some decline with age, neuroplasticity means the brain can still adapt and learn new things throughout life.  It is fundamental to learning and memory, as new experiences and information lead to the formation of new neural connections.

·      Cognitive benefits:

o   By engaging in activities that stimulate the brain, like learning a new language, musical instrument, or exercising, older adults can potentially improve memory, reasoning, and overall cognitive function through neuroplasticity.

·      Reduced plasticity with age:

o   As we age, the brain’s ability to form new connections and restructure itself tends to slow down, making it more challenging to learn new things compared to younger individuals.

·      Importance of engagement:

o   To maintain neuroplasticity in the aging brain, it is crucial to engage in mentally stimulating activities, physical exercise, and social interaction.

·      Potential for recovery:

o   Neuroplasticity can also play a role in recovery from brain injuries or neurological conditions, the brain can reorganize itself to compensate for damaged areas.

·      Mental health:

o   Neuroplasticity deficits may contribute to conditions like anxiety and depression, and some antidepressants are believed to work by promoting neuroplasticity.

There are some straightforward factors that can influence neuroplasticity.

·      Lifestyle:  Exercise, diet, sleep, and stress management influence neuroplasticity.

·      Environment: Exposure to new experiences and environments can promote neuroplasticity.

·      Cognitive stimulation: Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as learning new skills or solving puzzles can promote neuroplasticity.

·      Genetics: Genetic factors ca also play a role in neuroplasticity.

·      Hormones: Hormones like dopamine and serotonin can influence neuroplasticity.

The older brain has the same capability to influence neuroplasticity.  However, the older brain must be diligent and dedicated to creating new neural pathways that increase cognitive function.  It just doesn’t happen by accident. Don’t flip out over cognitive lapses.  It is a part of the aging brain.  Decide to turn that loss around.  We have the power to generate new brain cells and new synaptic connections if we choose to do that.  Cognitive function will increase, and you will feel much younger and sharper.

References:

Nichols,H. (September 9, 2020). What happens to the brain as we age? Retrieved from https://www,mewdicalnewstoday.com/articles/319185#Therapies-to-help-slow-brain-aging

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