As we age, our brains gradually change. Some of these changes affect memory and brain processing speed, while others have a positive effect. These include improved vocabulary and better verbal reasoning. These changes may concern seniors who worry about what they mean. In most instances, the changes in the brain are benign and part of normal aging.

Physical Changes to the Brain Associated With Aging

From around the age of 55, parts of the brain start to shrink. These changes are gradual and part of the normal aging process. The rate at which parts of the brain shrink varies from one person to the next. This difference explains why some seniors are razor-sharp while others are slightly forgetful. Parts of the brain that change include the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and white matter, while neurotransmitter activity slows down.

Hippocampus

Scientists believe the hippocampus is important for storing recent memories. With age, it shrinks slightly. This is one of the reasons seniors may have difficulty remembering recent events.

Prefrontal Cortex

The prefrontal cortex manages decision-making, social behavior, emotions and working memory. This part of the brain starts to change between the ages of 45 and 60. These changes may make it more difficult to multitask.

White Matter

As part of the central nervous system, white matter manages communication between different regions of the brain. As seniors age, white matter gradually deteriorates. This change slows the flow of information in the brain and explains why some seniors may take a little longer to process information than others.

Neurotransmitters

Neurotransmitters send messages across nerve cells. These chemical messengers control the heart, sensations and limbs. As you age, communication between neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and glutamate becomes less efficient. This reduction can cause mood changes and reduce attention span and memory.

How These Physical Changes Affect Cognition

The changes caused by brain shrinkage are subtle and different for everyone. These cognitive changes affect working memory, the ability to hold small bits of information in your mind for short periods. Examples include remembering a phone number and misplacing items such as car keys. As already mentioned, you may take a bit longer to process information and have more difficulty multitasking.

The Brain's Regenerative Capacity

Although you can't do much about brain shrinkage, the brain has the amazing ability to adapt and compensate for changes. Known as neuroplasticity, the brain can help mitigate age-related changes. Brain plasticity improves memory by making new synaptic connections and using different parts of the brain.

New Synaptic Connections

The brain has synaptic plasticity, which is the ability to strengthen neural connections. By repeating an activity, you create stronger neural pathways in the brain. This helps reinforce learning and makes it easier to complete complex tasks. You also create new synaptic connections by learning new skills and experiences, even when you're older.

Ability to Use Different Parts of the Brain

The brain's functional plasticity helps you learn new skills or even use different parts of the brain. If a part of the brain isn't functioning normally, it can adapt and transfer functions to other parts of the brain. Plasticity also comes into play when you learn new skills, such as studying a new language or playing a musical instrument.

Differences Between Normal Aging and a Loss of Cognitive Ability

Seniors often worry about age-related changes that affect cognition. Typically, you may notice it's more difficult to recall someone's name or remember an appointment. These changes are normal and aren't a sign of memory loss or loss of cognitive ability. Examples include:

Word choices. Having difficulty finding the right word to describe something is normal, but using an entirely wrong word is abnormal.

Ability to perform tasks. It's normal to take longer to complete tasks than before, especially complex tasks. But an inability to complete a task you previously could have may show a loss in cognitive ability.

Concentration. Having difficulty focusing on a task or what someone is saying in a noisy environment is normal. However, being unable to concentrate or follow conversations under normal conditions may be a sign you need to speak to a doctor or the medical staff.

Unusual emotions. Seniors often have more difficulty controlling their temper, especially in arguments. This is normal, but an unprovoked temper is not.

Short-term memory loss. Difficulty remembering what you ate for dinner last night or where you put your keys is normal, provided you eventually remember. A complete loss of memory about something recent or putting keys in an abnormal location such as the refrigerator may be a cause for concern, however.

Making decisions. A normal sign of aging is vacillating about decisions but eventually making a choice. Being unable to make a decision at all is a sign of cognitive issues.

Simple Ways to Keep Your Brain Healthy

While you can't stop aging, there's a lot you can do to keep your brain healthy and active. This includes:

Get intellectual stimulation. Keep your mind active by doing intellectually challenging tasks like reading a book, doing crosswords and puzzles or playing card games. Learn new skills by taking up hobbies or visiting unexplored places. If you can't physically travel, consider armchair travel.

Exercise regularly. Try to exercise every day. Physical exercise improves blood flow to the brain and can maintain cognitive function.

Manage stress. Chronic stress affects the brain. When facing stressful situations, consider therapy, exercise and mindfulness exercises to help reduce stress in your life.

Get good sleep. It's important to get a good night's sleep. Studies show poor sleep may cause cognitive decline.

Eat healthy. There's strong evidence that eating a healthy diet supports brain health and reduces cognitive aging.

Manage chronic health conditions. Managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart conditions can reduce cognitive decline.

If you're concerned that you or your loved one is showing signs of unusual cognitive changes, speak to the nursing staff here at Autumn View Gardens in Ellisville, Missouri.