Does our brain shrink after the age of 50?

No matter your age, when you cannot remember a word while speaking or forget an important item on your to-do list, you might not be able to stop yourself from saying, "I guess I'm getting old." You are probably right! Research shows that the brain shrinks by 5 percent every 10 years starting from the age of 40.

So, what will happen to our brains when we reach our 50s and 60s? Which small mistakes are normal, and which ones point to something serious?

CHANGES IN THE 50S

According to a report by Huffpost, Dr. Dylan Wint, a neurologist and neuropsychiatrist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains brain shrinkage as follows: "The cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain, thins, the myelin sheath surrounding neuron fibers may begin to deteriorate, and receptors may not fire as quickly."

However, most people are still mentally very sharp in their 50s. Still, they may begin to notice some changes in their cognitive functions. Wint says, "In your 50s, cognitive functions such as the ability to recall names and numbers immediately upon request, processing speed, rapid task switching, and spatial skills may decline. And this tends to continue in the decades ahead."

During this time, you may also see a decrease in the skill called the 'mental diary,' which contains 'meta-tags' such as the date of a past meeting.

But do not let all this intimidate you. According to Wint, there is also a bright side to aging: "Other aspects of cognition, such as moral reasoning, wisdom, and emotional regulation, generally continue to develop during this period."

WHEN SHOULD YOU WORRY?

Experts agree that some cognitive decline is normal as we age. So, when does forgetfulness become a sign of something more serious?

Cognitive decline becomes concerning when it begins to affect daily functioning. Wint says, "This is never a normal situation and is called dementia." In other words, if you are experiencing forgetfulness, communication problems, or other symptoms that worry you, you should definitely consult a neurologist.

Although there is not much that can be done about natural brain shrinkage with aging, experts emphasize that lifestyle can make a difference in brain health.

For example, since many medical conditions are strongly linked to a decline in brain function, maintaining physical health is important for protecting brain health.

Measures such as maintaining an ideal weight, minimizing salt and sugar, staying active, being social, staying positive, avoiding processed foods, alcohol, and smoking, sleeping well, and eating well also support brain health.

Ultimately, our brains will age whether we want them to or not. Nevertheless, your lifestyle is influential in the rate at which your brain health declines and whether or not you develop dementia in the future.

News Source: 12punto