30-Plus and Losing It

IF totting up your daily expenses, or finding your car keys, or trying to recall an acquaintance8217;s name takes you longer than ever, and...

IF totting up your daily expenses, or finding your car keys, or trying to recall an acquaintance8217;s name takes you longer than ever, and you8217;re above 30 years of age, take a deep breath. These changes are age-related and occur as the brain undergoes physical changes. Though the decline in cognitive abilities sets in around the age of 30, there are ways to keep the brain as agile and alert it was

in your learning years.

First, how does the brain function?
The brain is composed of numerous nerve cells or neurons and supporting cells called glia. The neurons transmit electrical and chemical signals, which are the basis of cognition. The glia facilitate the transmission and protect and nourish the neurons. Brain functions also depend on a complex interaction between the cortex outer covering and the several lobes.

How does the brain age?
According to experts, the brain develops till the age of five. 8216;8216;The chemistry and anatomy of the brain change in a child as proteins accumulate. A process called milination helps in forming better connection between the fibres white matter and neurons grey-matter. The reverse changes happen after the age of 20,8217;8217; explains Dr M Behari, head of the department of Neurology at AIIMS. With age, there is a gradual reduction in the weight and volume of the brain.

Are some abilities more vulnerable than others?
Studies show that fluid intelligence ability to think and reason is more likely to decline with age than crystallised intelligence accumulated information and vocabulary. Some researchers have found that the ability to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information decreases with age. Mental processing and reaction time also become slower as one passes into the late 20s. Later, word retrieval and recall of faces and events are problematic.

Can dying cells be regenerated?
Studies show that mental and physical alertness into middle age translates into improved learning. Though the direct correlation between mental and physical activity and growth of neurons is not established, 8216;8216;the brain is dynamic, not static, and responds to mental stimulation and environmental factors. So mental exercises, meditation and creative work help the brain to enhance its capacity of plasticity and slow cognitive decline,8217;8217; says Dr Samir Parikh, Consultant Pyschiatrist at Max Health Care.

BRAIN WORK

8226; Exercise daily, limit television-viewing, drink lots of water
8226;Read a lot, solve crossword puzzles, learn a language
8226;Maintain high self-esteem even after retirement
8226;Interact with children and the young
8226;Have food rich in Flivinoides, Beta-carotene and anti-oxidants, yellow foods like carrots, pumpkin and papaya
8226;Vitamin C citrus fruits and E wheatgerm are also important, as is green tea without milk
8226;Ayurvedacharya Vaid Garud Dhwaj Sharma recommends brahmi in Brahmi Rasayan a mix of amla, hard, brahmi taken twice daily with milk and Methdaya Rasayan a mixture of shankhpushp and vach churan
8226;Yogasanas like Mayurasan and Pranayasan also help