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From the moment we are born, our brains are constantly changing. In infancy and adolescence, the neural networks in our brains experience periods of enormous growth. These brain networks are essential- they help us learn, think, remember, and organize our memories.
As we age and learn, we develop larger vocabularies and greater knowledge from our accumulated experiences. Yet, by the time we are 30-40 years old, our brains typically start to shrink in different places, and we may experience more challenges finding words, recalling names, multi-tasking or paying attention.
We have learned that the brain maintains its ability to change and adapt so that as we age, we can manage new challenges and tasks. Just as we take care of our heart to live a long life to our best potential, we need to take care of our brain for our cognitive health. While brain health can be affected by age-related changes, other causes of change can include injuries such as stroke or traumatic brain injury; mood disorders such as depression or substance use disorder; and diseases such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias, some of which have genetic predispositions.
Dementia
Dementia is a general term referring to a loss of cognitive function—remembering, thinking, and reasoning—severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Dementia is not a specific disease, but an overall term describing a wide range of symptoms. It is not part of the typical aging process, rather it is caused by damage to the brain from disease or trauma. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia.
The Dementia Road Map - A Guide For Caregivers (VDH)
Ways to Protect Your Brain
While we cannot control our genes, there are many environmental and lifestyle factors that we can control to reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
- Preventing or controlling high blood pressure in midlife- ages 40s to 60s- helps both our heart and brain.
- Being physically active (adults are recommended to get at least 2-3 hours of walking or other physical activity each week) also helps our hearts and brains.
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Participating in programs that teach people how to move more safely and help prevent falls, a common cause of serious injury, including injuries to the brain.
- Improving specific skills appears to help maintain cognitive health in older adults. While current available evidence does not support claims that playing certain computer or online games can improve your memory and thinking, research does support that some activities such as music, dance, creative writing or learning new skills such as quilting or photography can improve cognitive health.
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Data from a study with 7,000 participants found one activity was particularly associated with better cognitive health in older adults... find out which activity stands out!
Taking Care of Yourself and Your Loved Ones
If you have concerns about your own cognitive health, or you suspect your loved one may be affected, learn about normal changes with aging and those that indicate the need for a checkup:
- Ask your loved one to obtain a complete medical checkup. If they have Medicare, ask their health care professional for the Medicare Annual Wellness exam that includes screenings such as detection of cognitive impairment.
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Learn how hearing loss can affect memory loss.
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Find other tips for caregivers
Caregiver Support Groups
Are you a caregiver for a loved one? Find a support group to discuss the stresses, challenges, and rewards of caregiving.
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In-Person (Loved ones are welcome in the supervised activity room during meetings)
Adult Care Center of Roanoke Valley
Monthly, 2nd Tuesdays, 1:30-3pm, FREE
Primeplus Cares Online Support Group
1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7pm
Email the organizers to request a meeting link, FREE
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