Preventing Brain Shrinkage in Older People

Introduction

Age is accompanied by some brain shrinkage or cerebral, also called brain atrophy. The brain ages in the same way the body does. However, not all brains age similarly. Changes in the neurotransmitter systems that transmit information throughout the body and brain may accompany aging-related brain changes, such as a decrease in brain mass, shrinkage of nerve fiber-rich regions of the brain, and loss of neural connections. Any combination of these factors can influence age-related cognitive abilities. Prevention of brain shrinkage in older people is possible with lifestyle modification. Regular exercise, eating a healthy and balanced diet, and regular checkups with doctors greatly help in case of brain shrinkage.

What Is Brain Shrinkage?

Brain shrinkage, also known as cerebral atrophy, is characterized by a loss of brain cells (neurons) and a decrease in connections between brain cells and brain volume. This loss can make it hard to think, remember, and do things every day. A person will experience more impairment the greater the loss. Healthcare professionals use the term ‘brain shrinkage’ when a person's brain changes more than expected for their age. People also lose some brain cells and more brain volume as they age. In this instance, the damage occurs more quickly than in typical aging. There are two types of atrophy of the brain:

• Focal: One part of the brain gets hurt.

• Generalized: The entire brain is affected by the damage.

What Causes the Brain to Shrink?

Brain atrophy can result from a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to the following:

• Palsy of the brain.

• Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

• AIDS and HIV (immunodeficiency caused by a virus).

• Huntington's disease.

• Leukodystrophies (genetic disease affecting the white matter of the brain).

• Autoimmune disease (immune system accidentally attacking its own body).

• Stroke.

• Syphilis (sexually transmitted bacterial infection).

• Brain damage from trauma.

• Alzheimer's illness (a condition involving dementia).

What Causes Brain Shrinkage as People Get Older?

Some causes of brain shrinkage as people get older are listed below -

• Low Levels of Fitness - Researchers discovered that people who were not physically fit in their 40s had significantly smaller brain volumes by the time they were 60. Experts consider this decreased brain volume to indicate the brain's accelerated aging.

• Vascular Damage - Researchers discovered that even when moving at a slow pace, people with low fitness levels had a much higher rise in diastolic blood pressure after just a few minutes on a treadmill. These individuals were more likely to have decreased brain volume at 60. Fluctuations in blood pressure can damage small brain vessels susceptible to such changes. The brain's structural changes and cognitive impairments may then be exacerbated by vascular damage.

What Are the Symptoms of Brain Shrinkage?

The symptoms of brain atrophy vary depending on the damaged area of the brain. Additionally, symptoms can be mild or severe. In general, various conditions cause brain atrophy, and symptoms can vary, including:

Aphasia:

• Trouble speaking.

• Trouble writing.

Dementia:

• Loss of speech.

• Memory issues.

• Alterations in mood and personality.

• Lack of judgment.

• Inability to comprehend what words mean.

• Hallucinations.

Seizures:

• A metallic or bitter taste.

• Convulsions.

• Consciousness loss.

• Spasms.

• Clenched teeth.

How to Diagnose Brain Shrinkage?

The healthcare provider will typically inquire about the following:

• Symptoms.

• Medical background.

• A health history in the family.

• The brain function will also be evaluated by various tests administered by the healthcare provider.

Tests might investigate:

• Coordination.

• Eye movement.

• Language.

• Memory.

• Aptitude for solving problems.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can show brain atrophy. Focal damage, which occurs in specific brain areas, can be detected with greater precision using an MRI. Additionally, brain atrophy can be seen with a computed tomography (CT) scan.

What Are the Treatments for Brain Shrinkage?

Because brain atrophy can be a sign of one or more diseases, there is no one treatment for it. So instead, doctors and nurses provide treatment to help people. The treatment plan is listed below.

• Medication.

• Occupational and physical therapy.

• Counseling.

• Speech therapy.

• Surgery, occasionally.

• In the event of a stroke, people will receive emergency care, medication to dissolve clots and stroke rehabilitation.

How to Prevent Brain Shrinkage With Age?

There is evidence that certain lifestyle modifications may help protect the brain from age-related declines.

• Get in Some Exercise Regularly - Regular exercise can help prevent brain shrinkage as people get older. Although any movement can be beneficial, the Physical trainers recommend that most people participate in at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping activity per day and perform some form of strength training over a few days. There are numerous excellent reasons to become and maintain physical fitness. For example, regular exercise has been shown to protect against brain atrophy and improve cognitive function. It is also good for physical and mental health.

• Control the Blood Pressure - By controlling their blood pressure, people can lower their risk of vascular damage and prevent brain shrinkage. In addition, regular exercise helps maintain blood pressure. People should talk to their doctor if they have trouble controlling their blood pressure. They might suggest taking medication to keep the blood pressure healthy for the brain and body. It is also beneficial to take the time to reduce stress, cut back on salt in the diet, and work toward a healthy weight.

• Make Other Lifestyle Changes - Research suggests that, in addition to exercising and stabilizing blood pressure, there are a few other activities people can do to reduce age-related brain declines, such as:

  1. Avoiding or quitting smoking.
  2. Eating a healthy diet.
  3. Engaging in challenging leisure activities.
  4. Limiting alcohol consumption.
  5. Socializing with others.

Conclusion

Brain shrinkage, also known as cerebral atrophy, occurs when neurons are lost in a portion of the brain or the entire brain. The degree of damage can vary due to the variety of conditions that cause brain atrophy. Some suffer from mild memory loss, while others struggle to read and speak. By seeing a doctor, people can get the right diagnosis and a treatment plan that reduces symptoms and improves their day-to-day life. Lifestyle changes such as eating well and regular exercises help older people deal with brain shrinkage.