As we age, our brains become increasingly unable to cope with physical and mental challenges. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus shrink and myelin-covered axons are degraded. Our arteries narrow and our blood flow becomes reduced. Despite the aging process, our brains can continue to function normally and delay cognitive decline. Some people are genetically predisposed to multiple sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the brain.
However, there’s still hope. Researchers have recently discovered that supportive social interactions may stave off cognitive decline. In addition to physical exercise, social support, and stimulating mental activities, these social interactions can help the brain maintain a normal level of brain function and resist neurodegenerative diseases. These researchers have dubbed these strategies “cognitive resilience.” This means that a person’s brain can maintain cognitive function despite aging, neuropathological changes, and Alzheimer’s disease.
As we age, the brain builds less myelin and loses more connections to its neurons. However, myelin development peaks at age 40, and we can continue to strengthen our brain connectivity. Although memory blips are not a cause for concern, you should take note of social support when you’re younger. Likewise, regular exercise helps prevent cognitive decline and improves health.
Studies have shown that regular tea consumption has long-term benefits for brain health. Research has linked tea’s bioactive compounds, such as catechins and theaflavins, with anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds are thought to help protect the brain from neurodegenerative and vascular damage. For the most part, these studies suggest that the brain’s ability to recover from cognitive decline is enhanced by drinking tea.
It’s not always clear what causes cognitive decline. Scientists have discovered that the brain has a cognitive reserve that prevents it from experiencing any major cognitive problems. This means that it can function even in the face of a variety of conditions. Some people have a higher cognitive reserve, while others are less likely to have this level of reserve. Some individuals can retain their memory for decades or even a lifetime.
A study conducted by the University of Washington in collaboration with the Harvard Medical School has shown that regular physical activity can protect the brain from cognitive decline. In addition, exercise can help protect the brain from stress. By doing so, the brain can reduce the amount of beta-amyloid protein in the brain. The latter is a key component of Alzheimer’s disease. A person who performs physical exercises twice per week will have a slower cognitive decline and may not be aware of it.
While the brain cannot prevent the aging process, it can protect itself from brain disease. In addition, regular exercise can also improve one’s overall health. Exercise has several health benefits. It helps prevent heart disease, lowers blood pressure, and relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression. As people age, their cognitive capacity increases. While they may not have the ability to make decisions, they can still enjoy the social support they need.
The brain is capable of protecting itself. By learning a new language, people have greater chances of being able to learn new things and retain their memory. People who speak two or more languages have a lower risk of cognitive decline and have higher brain plasticity. The study found that learning two or more languages can improve overall health. If you live in a country that speaks one of the world’s major languages, you can even learn the other language.
Social interaction is crucial in maintaining cognitive function. It is not enough to have a great number of friends or associate with a social network. Positive social interactions and supportive social relationships can increase cognitive resilience. So, the right environment can prevent and reverse cognitive decline. So, healthy life can be lived despite age. The brain can still function at its peak, even when it is facing an age-related disease.
