The brain is our most vital organ and serves as the command centre for all our body’s functions and processes. Maintaining a healthy brain is important at all ages, but this becomes increasingly evident as we get older.
Our cognitive function, memory, and overall mental sharpness play pivotal roles in shaping our daily experiences and quality of life.
Prioritising brain health is not just about preserving memories or staying sharp - it's about nurturing our minds to support our wellbeing in the long run.
Let’s take a closer look at the significance of maintaining brain health as we get older, along with some practical strategies and lifestyle choices we can make to support ongoing cognitive function and vitality.
What is Brain Health?
Brain health encompasses the overall wellbeing and optimal functioning of the brain. This involves cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects that contribute to the proper functioning of the brain throughout life.
This includes maintaining good memory, cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and overall mental clarity.
Brain health is also about supporting resilience, adaptability, and cognitive vitality as we get older.
How Does the Brain Change with Age?
As we age, the brain undergoes several changes that can impact its function and overall health. Physically, the brain may experience a slight decrease in size and weight, along with changes in the structure and function of neurons.
These alterations can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory, processing speed, and attention.
Additionally, ageing can affect neurotransmitter levels and communication between brain regions, which may contribute to difficulties in learning new information or multitasking.
How to Keep Your Brain Healthy and Support Cognitive Function
There are a number of things ageing adults can do to keep their brains healthy and to support cognitive function. Some of the most important factors include:
Staying Physically Active
Staying physically active can help maintain brain health and cognitive function as we age by promoting increased blood flow to the brain, stimulating the release of neuroprotective proteins, and supporting the growth of new brain cells.
Eating Brain Healthy Foods
Consuming brain-healthy foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins including folic acid and vitamin Bs, and minerals can support brain health and cognitive function as we age by providing essential nutrients that support neuronal health, and support cognitive processes such as memory.
Best Foods for Brain Function
Some of the best foods for supporting brain health as we age include fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, berries packed with antioxidants, nuts and seeds containing vitamin E and healthy fats, and leafy greens abundant in vitamin K.
Managing Stress
Managing stress can help support brain health as we age by reducing the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can impair cognitive function and contribute to age-related cognitive decline.
Engaging in Social Activities
Engaging in social activities can help support brain health as we age by stimulating cognitive functions, reducing stress levels, and promoting emotional wellbeing. Social interaction encourages the brain to remain active and adaptable.
Brain Health and Memory Supplements
Brain health and memory supplements can help support brain health as we age by providing essential nutrients and compounds that nourish the brain and promote cognitive function. These supplements often contain ingredients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbal extracts that have been shown to support memory, focus, and overall brain health.
How to Maintain Your Memory
If you’re wondering how can you improve your memory, or how to prevent memory loss in old age, you’re in luck, because there are a number of ways to train the brain to stay healthy and functional. Some of the most important factors include:
Keeping Your Mind Active
Keeping the mind active by engaging with social activities, practicing memory exercises and brain training can all help support ongoing cognitive function and help prevent memory loss.
Memory Exercises
Memory exercises can help prevent memory loss by stimulating the brain and promoting neural connections. Examples of memory exercises include puzzles, brain teasers, memorisation tasks, and learning new skills or languages.
Brain Training
Brain training involves a variety of cognitive exercises designed to improve specific mental functions like attention, processing speed, and problem-solving.
Unlike memory exercises, which focus primarily on memory retention, brain training targets broader cognitive abilities.
Engaging in brain training activities regularly can help support brain health by stimulating neural pathways, supporting cognitive function, and potentially supporting memory/mental recall.
Take Your Brain Health Seriously
Maintaining brain health and cognitive function is essential for preserving overall general wellbeing and quality of life.
As we grow older, our brains undergo natural changes that can affect cognitive abilities, memory, and general wellbeing.
However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as staying physically active, eating brain-healthy foods, managing stress, and engaging in social activities can help support brain health
Additionally, brain training exercises and memory activities can stimulate neural pathways and support cognitive function, contributing to brain health support in our later years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to our brains as we age?
As we age, our brains undergo several natural changes that can affect cognitive function and overall brain health. These changes include a gradual decline in the overall size of the brain, a reduction in the number of neurons and synapses, and changing levels of neurotransmitters. Additionally, blood flow to the brain may decrease, impacting cognitive abilities such as memory.
How can you keep your brain healthy as you age?
Regular physical exercise, such as aerobic activities and strength training, can improve blood flow to the brain and stimulate the growth of new neurons.
Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats provides essential nutrients that support brain health.
Staying mentally active by challenging your brain with puzzles, games, reading, or learning new skills can help maintain cognitive function.
Managing stress, getting quality sleep, and maintaining social connections also play important roles in supporting brain health as you age.
When does cognitive decline usually start?
Cognitive decline typically gradually begins in the latter years/over 55, although it may vary from person to person. It's a gradual process where certain cognitive functions, such as memory, may start to decline.
How can you support your memory?
Engaging in regular mental exercises, such as puzzles, reading, and learning new skills, can help keep the brain active and stimulate memory function.
Additionally, getting enough quality sleep, managing stress levels, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in brain-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, phosphatidylserine (PS), B vitamins including folic acid, and antioxidants can support cognitive function.