Everybody worries about growing old and as you grow older,
your brain starts ageing too. There are changes in cognitive function, and the
size of the brain shrinks. This increases the incidence of a stroke, ischemia, and white matter lesions. However, brain health can be boosted, according to
this study, by social interaction, passion, and exercise.
What is brain ageing?
First, let's understand the brain a little bit. Brain
functions are related to white matter and grey matter. Grey matter consists of
unmyelinated cell axons and white matter consists of myelinated axons giving it
its color. In simpler words, grey matter is the processing unit and white
matter are communication channels. It has been known through research that
neurons in the grey matter start decomposing from the age of ten.
There is a theory called Neural Darwinism Theory which
states that the neurons that are activated survive, while the others atrophy
and ultimately die. This leads us to believe two things. First, that ageing is
not the sole factor for brain ageing. Second, the brain needs to be
engaged in activities regularly to maintain the gray matter. Some activities
that are researched to maintain a healthy brain are motion, passion, and
interaction with friends and family.
Exercise
Regular physical activities are recommended as
non-pharmacological therapy for the maintenance of health. Physical activities are
hypothesized to be beneficial for the brain in a few ways. Improving cardiovascular
health, increasing blood flow to the brain, reducing stress hormones, and
lowering inflammation. Furthermore, exercise promotes neuroplasticity which is
your brain’s ability to learn and respond to stimuli.
Physical activity does not always include high-intensity
workouts. A regular walk or run around your block, dancing in your room,
walking up and down the stairs are some of the things you can include in your
everyday lifestyle.
All ages are benefited by exercising daily. It increases
the vascularization of grey matter i.e., the formation of newer tissues in the brain.
The myelination and axonal development in white matter are also some of the
benefits.
Passion
Passion, in this study, was defined as “a strong feeling toward a personally important
value/preference that motivates intentions and behaviors to express that
value/preference.” When a person is interested in learning something it keeps
them motivated that in turn keeps the brain active.
For instance, learning and mastering a new language can strengthen the grey matter, the neural cells, and their connection. The grith and growth
mindset that is associated with passion has been potentially linked to the
growth of grey matter in parts of the brain
Passion has been hypothesized to be important in maintaining principles of neuroplasticity. This means that increased passion for a skill leads to increased activities, which leads to
increased relationships. Repetition of this cycle increases overall brain cognitive
function.