The Science of Brain Aging: What We Know and What We Don't

A new study has found more clues as to why some older adults have brains that are as sharp as those 30 years younger. The study, which was published in the journal Nature Aging, looked at a group of people in their 80s who were known as "SuperAgers." These individuals had cognitive function that was equivalent to people in their 50s.

The researchers found that SuperAgers had more gray matter in certain parts of their brains, including the hippocampus, which is important for memory. They also had more white matter, which is the tissue that connects different parts of the brain. In addition, SuperAgers had better scores on tests of agility, balance, and mobility, even though they had the same physical activity levels as typical older adults.

The researchers believe that these findings could help to explain why SuperAgers have such healthy brains. They suggest that physical activity, social engagement, and a healthy diet may all play a role in protecting the brain from age-related decline.

"Our findings suggest that there are lifestyle factors that can help to preserve brain health," said lead author Bryan Strange, from the Technical University of Madrid. "These findings could help us to develop new interventions to prevent cognitive decline in older adults."

The study's findings are in line with previous research on SuperAgers. A study published in 2014 found that SuperAgers had more brain connectivity than typical older adults. Another study, published in 2017, found that SuperAgers had more brain plasticity, which is the brain's ability to change and adapt.

The findings of these studies suggest that there are things that we can do to help keep our brains healthy as we age. By being physically active, socially engaged, and eating a healthy diet, we may be able to reduce our risk of cognitive decline.

What else have studies shown us about our brain as we get older?

As we get older, our brains naturally shrink. This is due to a combination of factors, including cell death and changes in the way that neurons communicate with each other. However, not all of the changes that occur in our brains as we age are negative. For example, some studies have shown that older adults have better emotional regulation and decision-making skills than younger adults.

Overall, the research on the aging brain is still ongoing. However, we are learning more and more about how to keep our brains healthy as we age. By making lifestyle changes, such as being physically active, socially engaged, and eating a healthy diet, we can help to protect our brains from age-related decline.

Here are some additional things that studies have shown us about our brains as we age:

- The risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia increases as we age.

- The brain's ability to learn new things declines with age.

- However, our memories of past events can remain strong even into old age.

- The brain's ability to adapt and change (plasticity) can decline with age, but it can still be improved through lifestyle changes.

- What can we do to keep our brains healthy as we age?

There are a number of things that we can do to help keep our brains healthy as we age. These include:

1. Being physically active.

2. Eating a healthy diet.

3. Staying socially engaged.

4. Learning new things.

5. Managing stress.

6. Getting enough sleep.

By making these lifestyle changes, we can help to reduce our risk of cognitive decline and dementia. We can also help to keep our brains sharp and active as we age.