Neuroplasticity....Can Geezers Get It?

Neuroplasticity refers to our brain's ability to adapt to changing demands, learn new information and heal itself after injury. Adults lose up to 10 percent of their brain weight between ages 20 and 90, so strengthening the brain's ability to change and adapt is important to help counteract the effects of aging and disease, and for learning and memory consolidation.

This ability can help older adults reduce or avoid many age-related brain changes and keep their brains functioning at a high level. There are several ways in which we can encourage healthy brain function. These include lifestyle factors, such as regular aerobic exercise of at least 30 minutes daily, five days a week; cognitive stimulation - challenging your brain with complex tasks to strenghen the connectors between the neurons and keep memory from declining; maintaining a healthy diet low in calories, rich in protein (lean meats, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products), nuts, legumes and large amounts of fruits, vegetables and whole grains; reducing stress and engaging in social activities - socially involved people are less likely to develop dementia, according to many studies. The message is to be proactive on all levels.

Duke Medicine Health News

Vol 18, No. 9