Of the over 7 trillion brain cells that make up the average brain, research has just shown that there are over 3313 different types of brain cells (Science, doi.org/gsvjpx). We are learning more and more about this amazing structure. We are blessed we are living longer than ever before. However, the unfortunate byproduct of this is the shadow of Dementia and Alzheimer’s that many of us have been affected by either indirectly or to come perhaps? The focus of current research has been plaques that seem to clog up the nerve cells in our brains. However, it has also shown that some people, even with brains that contain significant plaque formation, function normally. The difference is these people seem to have more cognitive reserve. This leads to the question, how do we maintain our cognitive reserve even with an aging brain so we still have good function? The cognitive reserve has been likened to computer software, and just like software, it can be upgraded throughout our lives. In fact, our brains can constantly reorganise and adapt to accomplish tasks. This is called Neuroplasticity. So Chris, what can we do, I hear you say?

One important thing as we age, therefore, is to continue to challenge ourselves with demanding tasks and learning (1). Even listening to music in one study of people aged between 60 and late 70s improved memory and neuroplasticity (2). Another important factor from mid-life onwards is social engagement. The dementia risk may be reduced as much as 30 to 50%, as this stimulates recall, memory, and consideration of social networks in our emotions and reactions to those relationships. We have learned in recent years sleep is where the brain is cleaned, organised, and upgraded, so sleep hygiene is so important (more to come with future blogs). As always, physical activity is key, as one study found physically inactive people were twice as likely to have cognitive decline as those who are active (3).

So the osteopathic advice: dance, listen to music in your kitchen and, tell all your friends about it and to keep that brain as young as possible. Keep challenging yourself to new things as we did when we were younger to keep that brain as young as possible. One of my patients from over twenty years ago, who was at the time in her late 80’s would make apple pies for, as she described them, “the old dears” at the care home. Most of them were much younger than her in age but not in brain!

References
1. Restor Neurol Neurosci. 2015; 33(6): 865–882. Published online 2015 Oct 20. doi: 10.3233/RNN-150533 PMCID: PMC4927925PMID: 2648469 The synapse project: engagement in mentally challenging activities enhances, neural efficiency. Ian M. McDonough, Sara Haber, Gérard N. Bischof, and Denise C. Park*
2. New scientist, 21st October 23 Brian bank p 30-33
3. Omura JD, Brown DR, McGuire LC, Taylor CA, Fulton JE, Carlson SA. Cross-sectional association between physical activity level and subjective cognitive decline among US adults aged ≥45 years, 2015. Prev Med. 2020 Dec;141:106279. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106279. Epub 2020 Oct 6. PMID: 33035548

Thank you for read our article on “How Do We Maintain Our Cognitive Reserve” we hope you enjoyed it.

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