Interestingly, neuroscientists and researchers at The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, are keen to study age-related and associated neurodegenerative changes in the brain of 95-year-old Communist leader Jyoti Basu whose body is donated for medical research.

Older brain

According to a report published in Psychology and Aging, American Psychological Association (APA), starting at around 60, white matter lesions; small bright patches among the brain’s message-carrying axons show up. And these significantly affect cognitive function – mental process that involves perception, memory, reasoning etc. in old age.

Your brain gets smaller and lighter as you age but it can still function effectively. Experts say that an older brain can make new connections between the neurons and even when some neurons die, their job is taken up by the others. Scientists believe that age-related changes that affect the mind, for instance memory loss, are related to your life-style.

Normal age-related brain changes

• The cortex; the heavily ridged outer surface of the brain thins slightly with age. Research shows that changes in white matter in the brain are linked with changes in speed of cognitive processing – memory, attention, action, problem solving, and decision-making abilities
• Loss of neurons; brain cells that die from old age are not replaced
• Fat and other deposits accumulate within the neurons hindering their functioning
• The brain produces less neurotransmitters; the chemicals in the brain such as serotonin, which carry messages between brain cells and have fewer receptors that lock onto these messengers. This change may have an effect on memory
• The speed of sending and receiving messages between neurons is reduced

Factors affecting mental abilities

As you grow old you may need to take medications for several chronic and acute conditions. Prescribed medications for high blood pressure and other diseases may give unwanted side effects including impaired brain function. Dementia, depression, atherosclerosis – narrowing of arteries, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease – all can affect your brain function causing memory loss and declining mental abilities.

Certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease too are more common in old age. Dr C. Pinto and Dr Alka Subramanyam from Department of Psychiatry, TN Medical College and BYL Nair Hospital, Mumbai, consider mild cognitive impairment (MCI) as an intermediary stage for dementia. Their report in the Indian J Psychiatry states that people with MCI who are treated for of mild to severe Alzheimer's disease show varied responses.

Poor nutrition, dehydration, vitamin deficiency, lack of physical and mental exercise also affects your mental capabilities.

Making your brain stay young

“Intake of vitamin E can slow Alzheimer’s disease, prevent poor balance and frailty. Ginkgo biloba extract is also being used to prevent cognitive decline. Physical activity is crucial if you want an active mind; it can ward off depression”, avers Dr Navin Davda, consultant physician at Wockhardt hospital, Mumbai and Jupiter hospital in Thane. Regular exercise can thus improve your brain’s memory, reasoning abilities and reaction times.

Your brain is like a muscle – regular workouts can help its ability to function. Researchers at the Stanford University (USA) report that memory loss can be improved by 30 to 50 per cent simply by doing mental exercises. Social interaction and being with friends, learning at all times, social work or joining discussion groups – all reduce stress and the feeling of isolation.

Brain-healthy tips

• Moderate physical activity – 30 minutes at least provides oxygen-boost to the brain
• Avoid smoking, if you drink, drink in moderation
• A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, drink adequate amounts of water and/or other fluids, low fat, adequate carbohydrate are good for brain health
• Indulge in activities that help you remain mentally sharp. Play scrabble, chess, draught, cards, solve crosswords, number and word puzzles, Sudoku, kakuro etc
• Try learning a new language, read, develop hobbies like painting, playing a musical instrument, sewing, carpentry, gardening, cooking etc
• Include neurobics – brain exercises in your daily routine. Practice using your memory and multi-tasking
  Keep physically active
• Reduce stress, learn relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, pranayam

Pic: Artem Chernyshevych