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Writer's pictureDerrick K. Mobley MD

Healthy vs. Unhealthy Aging Series : Part 1 - The Aging Brain

The senior citizen demographic is one the largest in the country today. Approximate 10,000 Americans become senior citizens everyday as the baby boomer generation advances in age. For this blog article, we will look at what happens to the brain as we age. What is normal versus what can be indicative of a brain disease. In subsequent articles we will look at the aging of the various organs and organ systems of the body. Much of this article is based upon research from the University of California San Francisco Weill Institute of Neuroscience


As our brains age we may experience a decline in our ability to think swiftly, multitask, find words, retain information and sustain attention. These all relate to a diminished volume of certain parts of the brain (hippocampus, frontal and temporal lobes) that correspond to memory capacity. However, mental functioning related to vocabulary, reading, and verbal reasoning remain unchanged or may even improve as we age.


Normal Forgetfulness, Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia


It's important - and often challenging- to differentiate normal brain aging from mild cognitive impairment and mild cognitive impairment from dementia. The symptoms of abnormal mental functioning can vary amongst individuals and can be difficult to detect when assessing mild cognitive impairment from dementia. The main differences are that the individual with normal forgetfulness has the ability to carry out the activities of normal daily living such as shopping, traveling, cooking, personal hygiene and other household responsibilities whereas a person with dementia may not. The main causes of mild cognitive impairment and dementia are Alzheimer's disease, vascular (multi-infarct) disease, frontal - temporal degeneration and Lewy body disease. Look for symptoms such as getting lost in familiar places, changes in hygiene, frequent falls or loss of balance and repetitive questioning as indicators of dementia.


Risk factors for mental impairment especially Alzheimer's disease include:

  • Type 2 diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • obesity

  • tobacco smoking

  • depression

  • lack of physical and mental exercise


When to visit the doctor for memory loss

According to the National Institute of Aging, if you, a family member, or friend have problems remembering recent events or thinking clearly, talk with a doctor. He or she may suggest a thorough checkup to see what might be causing the symptoms. You may also wish to talk with your doctor about opportunities to participate in research on cognitive health and aging. At your doctor visit, he or she can perform tests and assessments, which may include a brain scan, to help determine the source of memory problems. Your doctor may also recommend you see a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the brain and nervous system. Memory and other thinking problems have many possible causes, including depression, an infection, or medication side effects. Sometimes, the problem can be treated, and cognition improves. Other times, the problem is a brain disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease, which cannot be reversed. Finding the cause of the problems is important for determining the best course of action. Once you know the cause, you can make the right treatment plan. People with memory problems should make a follow-up appointment to check their memory every six to 12 months. They can ask a family member, friend, or the doctor's office to remind them if they're worried they'll forget.(National Institute of Aging - www.nia.nih.gov).


Keeping our brains healthy should include a diet of whole and unprocessed foods, physical exercise, social engagement, proper sleep, stress management and learning new hobbies and activities such as a new language or musical instrument. See my previous blog articles about how Lifestyle Medicine/Healthcare can help you improve your ability to prevent diseases of the body and mind.




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