WASHINGTON 鈥� There is no magic pill, app or puzzle to prevent your brain from聽changing as you age.
From the time you are born until the day you die, the聽brain is constantly evolving. It鈥檚 a process known as 鈥渂rain plasticity,鈥� and brain health expert Jane Tilly says it鈥檚 critical to know that not all age-related changes are a sign of concern.
鈥淚t鈥檚 important to know that most older adults do not have a dementia like Alzheimer鈥檚 disease, but a lot of people fear getting it because of the loss of independence and other things that can come with that disease,鈥� says Tilly, who is with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services鈥� .
With boomers caring for aging parents, and many boomers aging themselves, Alzheimer鈥檚 disease and dementia are top of mind for many Americans. According to a Roper survey, say they “worry most” about not being alert and experiencing memory loss as they get older.
But Tilly says much of that worry is unnecessary. Instead, it鈥檚 important to know what to expect as you age and make a few lifestyle changes to keep your brain as healthy as possible.
鈥淔unctions begin to decline over time, but it鈥檚 very slow and very gradual, unless someone has a brain disease or some kind of other condition that affects their thinking and learning and remembering,鈥� Tilly says.
According to the Administration for Community Living鈥檚 , it鈥檚 normal to notice a decline in short-term memory in your 40s and 50s. Between 60 and 70, cognitive processing speed may take longer as some parts of the brain may be shrinking. But these changes are not red flags.
鈥淏y and large as we get older, people slow down a little bit, but if they don鈥檛 have any disease, they鈥檙e able to manage their lives and operate just like the rest of us do in our lives,鈥� Tilly says.
In recent years, supplements, games and resources claiming to prevent age-related dementia have flooded the market. And while puzzles and games may be entertaining, Tilly says not to waste your money on their health claims.
鈥淭he kinds of things to watch out for are any kinds of promises that people can prevent or cure Alzheimer鈥檚 disease,鈥� says Tilly, who adds that researchers all over the world are working around the clock on prevention and treatment efforts. 鈥淣o one knows how to do that right now.鈥�
A healthy lifestyle is the best medicine to help your brain age healthily. A diet full of fruits and vegetables, a moderate amount of exercise and an adequate amount of sleep all help to keep your brain in optimal shape.
鈥淧retty much anything you do to try to keep your heart healthy is likely to be able to help you keep your brain healthy,鈥� Tilly says.
Staying connected with others, engaging in new activities and constantly learning new things also keeps your brain in top shape.
Tilly says it鈥檚 also important to keep an open dialogue with your primary care physician 鈥� especially if you have a family history of Alzheimer鈥檚 disease or are concerned about your cognitive functioning. A doctor can help you distinguish normal changes related to aging from .
And remember, an aging brain is not a failing brain. After all, with age comes wisdom.
The 鈥淲hat is Brain Health?鈥� campaign offers evidenced-based resources, tips and advice for adults looking to promote their brain health. Visit for more information.
