Boost Brain

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.