Brain degenerative processes initiate past the age of 25, as per Anna Pecherkina's claim.
As we age, our brain undergoes significant changes that can impact its structure and function. These changes, which typically begin in our 30s and 40s, can lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities, memory, and decision-making skills.
One of the most noticeable changes is brain shrinkage, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, areas crucial for memory and decision-making. This shrinkage is accompanied by neural damage, with neurons getting smaller, fewer dendritic branches, and decay of myelin, which slows signal transmission between brain cells and regions.
Moreover, there is a decline in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which support neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new connections.
Despite these declines, the brain retains plasticity—the ability to build new neural connections—into old age. This means that even as we age, our brains can adapt and change to new conditions.
To maintain brain health and delay cognitive decline, engaging in activities that stimulate the brain is essential. Puzzles and brain games, for example, can improve memory, problem-solving, and potentially slow cognitive decline and brain shrinkage. Similarly, art, such as painting, drawing, or playing music, can increase mental flexibility, creativity, and improve focus and emotional well-being.
Reading and listening to audiobooks can stimulate language processing, vocabulary, imagination, and memory recall. Physical exercise enhances blood flow, supports neuroplasticity, and protects against cognitive decline.
In summary, aging leads to structural shrinkage, neurotransmitter decline, and slower processing in the brain, but sustained mental engagement through puzzles, creative arts, reading, and music can help maintain brain health and delay cognitive decline. It's crucial to keep the brain engaged in continuous work and challenged with learning new skills or new information to maintain brain activity.
[1] Sowell, E. R. (2011). Brain structure and aging. In The Cambridge handbook of aging and the social sciences (pp. 349-362). Cambridge University Press.
[2] Small, G. W. (2012). The Oxford handbook of lifespan psychology. Oxford University Press.
[3] West, M. J., & Alm, A. (2015). The Oxford handbook of the biology of aging. Oxford University Press.
[4] Craft, S., & Morrison, A. (2013). The Oxford handbook of lifespan developmental psychology. Oxford University Press.
- The declines in certain neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, which support neuroplasticity, are among the changes occurring in the brain as a result of aging.
- Engaging in activities that stimulate mental health, such as puzzles and brain games, could potentially slow cognitive decline and brain shrinkage associated with aging.
- Art forms like painting, drawing, or playing music contributes to increasing mental flexibility, creativity, and improving focus and emotional well-being in men's health and women's health.
- Reading and listening to audiobooks help stimulate language processing, vocabulary, imagination, and memory recall, contributing to overall health and wellness.
- Neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease often manifest during the aging process, highlighting the importance of maintaining brain health through physical exercise and lifelong learning to prevent or delay cognitive decline.
