Outstanding News for Aging Brains!!
It is usually all gloom and doom when it comes to discussions about our aging brains. However, recent research has revealed that there are many positives when it comes to older brains.
Angela Gutchess, a researcher from Brandeis University, published some research findings on aging brains in the December issue of Brain In The News (Dana Foundation). She wrote of the traditional thinking about aging brains – memory loss, distractibility, and less brain volume. But now new research techniques reveal some advantages that older brains hold over younger brains.
Discoveries in neuroscience have shown that our brains remain malleable throughout our lifetimes. We also have the ability to grow new brain cell, known as neurogenesis. Although there is ongoing research as to the effectiveness of these new cells, we are able to retain brain volume and build cognitive reserve. Our older brains have shown that they have the capability to adapt and change. In essence, we have the ability to recruit different parts of our brain to do different things. Functional MRI images show that older brains use both hemispheres in performing certain tasks. We function in whole brain mode. We think a different way, see the grand picture and can be highly creative when we are using our whole brain. Younger adults utilize just one hemisphere – half of their brain. Images also show that in older brains social and emotional abilities are relatively well preserved. This translates to older adults having better emotional regulation and control than younger adults.
The areas of the brain that control memory are deeply imbedded in the brain. Imagery is not an option in researching memory loss because of the location of the areas of the brain that support memory. That is not to say that research is not going on in regards to retaining memories. Different research techniques are being investigated regularly.
In order for our brains to function at a high level and initiate the changes necessary, we must invite a complex environment into our lives. Physical exercise, mental stimulation, brain healthy nutrition strategies, social lifestyles all contribute to positive changes within the brain that delay cognitive decline. Continuing advances in technology will allow more in-depth research and reveal how dynamic our brains really are. The responsibility remains with us to accept these challenges to develop and maintain a high functioning brain throughout our entire lifespan.
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