Our Brains Age Right Along with the Rest of our Bodies
It is no secret that aging brings with it changes many of us experience including not being as sharp as we were when younger. Many seniors say they find it more difficult to multitask, have trouble recalling names and finding the right word. Some complain about a decline in their ability to concentrate, absorb, process, and remember new information.
On the positive side, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) says studies are finding various strengths of seniors such as having a wider vocabulary and a greater depth of understanding of the meaning of words than younger adults. Moreover most are capable of learning new skills (it may take longer), and forming new memories. Another advantage older adults have over their younger counterparts is a wealth of life experience and accumulated knowledge.
However, researchers are trying to figure out why some seniors stay cognitively healthy longer than others, and if our lifestyle habits protect our brains as we age. For now evidence shows certain parts of our brains do shrink as we age, especially those areas associated with learning; and parts of our brain may not communicate with one another as well as when we were younger. In addition blood flow may decrease, while inflammation increases, and cause problems.
We do know some people live well into their 80s, 90 and beyond with sharp cognitive skill, and defy the widely held view of seniors’ declining abilities. NIA-supported researchers call these lucky few “super agers,” and define them as “people aged 80 years and older who have performance on memory tests comparable to people two to three decades younger.” While we are not sure why super agers retain such strong cognitive skills, scientists say it could be the person started out with a larger, more robust brain.
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Source: nia.nih.gov/news/cognitive-super-agers-defy-typical-age-related-decline-brainpower