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Neuroplasticity - the Brain's Fountain of Youth

  • Writer: Patricia Faust
    Patricia Faust
  • Mar 30
  • 4 min read


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

 

 

 
 
 

תגובות

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March was an unusual month for me.  Normally I work on articles, give presentations and generally just stay tuned to what is going on in the field of aging.  This month I “learned” a lot.  Last year I learned how to write a book.  At the time I took the course I thought it would just be a natural extension of all the writing I had done over the years.  WRONG!!  The actual writing of the book was the easy part.  Putting it together into a book was difficult for me.  The course gave me step by step lessons on constructing a book.  Then editing and formatting were just as challenging.  On June 7 last year the book was published!  It was one of the most satisfying days of my writing career. 

Naturally, when you self-publish, you do not have a publisher promoting the book and getting it in the right categories for best sales on Amazon.  That was crushing because I really didn’t know to appropriately market it.  I am a brain health person!  In December of last year, I purchased a marketing program that is based on statistics.  I am technical minded and so this approach made sense to me.  The course is almost completed.  Can’t wait to see if it improves sales!

The next step I am looking at is recording an audiobook.  This is another venture I knew nothing about.  But I am already tagged on Facebook for marketing of audio book programs.  Facebook picks up everything.  Now my husband was creative director for an advertising agency and when I told him I purchased another class – he couldn’t believe it.  “This was my business.  I know how to do recordings, why didn’t you ask me?” Well, I knew he was an expert in that business, but this audiobook needs to meet all the criteria that Amazon requires for publication.  So, he can take care of the recording part of this audiobook, and I will navigate the process of meeting Amazon’s requirements.  We worked on the book together like this. 

Then I talked with some coaching experts on the viability of starting group teaching programs.  Reading The Boomer Brain book and implementing the Brain Healthy Lifestyle have two entirely different outcomes.  This lifestyle is important to maintaining high cognitive function throughout the later years of our lives.  Look for updates as to when I will roll this program out.

My last learning endeavor was attending a two-day bootcamp for Speakers.  I am really excited about what I learned there.  That is a late this year or next year project, but it is one I am really looking forward to.

 

What Is Happening in April?

The American Society on Aging is having their annual conference in Orlando Florida April 21-24.  This is the largest multidisciplinary conference on aging and the annual conference for Members of ASA.  I have attended a number of these conferences throughout the years, and it is consequential.  Keynote speakers and special events are focused on combating ageism in our society.  Although this is a professional meeting, the attendees come from all aspects of aging services.  They have their work cut out for them this year!

April is Stress Awareness Month.  We should be aware of stress every month and understand how we can break the stress cycle.  These are stressful times, and we need to protect ourselves

Here is a positive one “April is National Volunteer Month”.  When I am working with new retirees who don’t know what to do, I talk to them about volunteering. It is important to have a purpose after you leave the workforce.  There are so many nonprofits who need help in all aspects of their organizations.  It is a perfect way to give back.

Finally – It was Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds – the oldest major league team in the nation.  Cincinnati takes that responsibility seriously.  There is always an Opening Day Parade through downtown to the Ball Park.  Huge crowds line the streets and every year there is talk of making it an official holiday.  Schools and employers look the other way when there is an empty desk.  No matter what the outcome of the game is, there is so much joy, and you can feel that energy.  I am fortunate that I get to experience that.  We all need some joy right now. 

Enjoy your April.

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