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| Our memory weakens as we progress and that’s natural |
Aging is inevitable at least in today’s world and so is memory wearying.
Memory loss might become a norm as we get older. Recalling a name, forming new memories, finding keys or valuables, explaining to someone the details of an incident that happened in the past, could leave us high and dry year on year. But ever wondered why do human beings start losing connections with aging? To understand the issue, we first have to get acquainted with the science behind memory:How do we memorize things?
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| Figure 1: Neurons and their connection |
In the process of learning something new, as simple as remembering the name of someone or something, our brain creates a new connection between neurons. Neurons connect at synapses, where a neuron communicates with another neuron using chemical messengers. Our brain consists of billions of neurons where a single neuron can have thousands of connections with neighboring neurons.
What changes does age bring to our brain?
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| Figure 2: Some Parts of Human Brain |
Studies have witnessed neuron shrinkage and retracting of dendrites inside the aging brain. As a result, the number of connections between the neurons also gets affected, leading to memory loss and difficulty in learning new things. Aging also leads to a reduction of the overall volume of our brain and other structural changes in our brain as well. Some parts of our brain viz. prefrontal cortex (behavior and cognitive ability), hippocampus (learning and memory), and cerebellum (posture, balance, coordination, and speech) bear more brunt than rest.
Other Factors Leading to Poor Memory.
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| Figure 3: COSMAA/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS, ADAPTED BY E. OTWELL |
As we grow older, we tend to be less energetic with little or no physical activities. Studies have shown that exercising, especially aerobic exercises (running, swimming, jogging, etc.), has a positive impact on the working of the hippocampus (areas of the brain involved in memory and learning) and helps in the reduction of much more age-related illnesses.
The absence of physical activity undeniably attracts physical, mental, and psychological challenges in elderly life. Adding to this, we may face sleep disorders such as insomnia, low quality sleep, frequent wake-ups, etc. which not only affects our memory but also brings many more ailments like hyper/hypotension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, etc.
Moreover, the elderly are less likely to engage in a mentally challenging activity. Studies have shown that mentally challenging activities are likely to improve cognitive functioning. If we don’t engage in a more demanding job, we are directing our brain to work on the same old pattern which may make our brain slow as working on the same old network making it less responsive.
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| Figure 4: Healthy food is important for brain functioning |
Besides that, our brain demands a healthy diet for proper functioning. Lack of a balanced diet will result in erroneous brain functioning. Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish) are said to help fight against depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease and enhance brain development. Alongside, it may benefit from eye disorders, heart attacks, and stroke.
Another important constituent in brain working is Vitamin B-12 found in fish, meat, egg, and dairy product. The deficiency of B-12 is associated with depression & brain fog which eventually leads to poor memory.
So, we discussed some factors affecting memory while we tend to age. We may find a cure to aging in the future with new technology and scientific advancements, but aging is inevitable at least in today’s world and so is memory wearying. Our memory weakens as we progress and that’s natural. But what adds to it is our way of life and our unsuitable lifestyle. With few basic changes, we may slow down the progression of mental weakening to live a healthier and happier life.
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