Not all downhill or dementia: how our brains change as we age
If you are in your fifties, you’ll probably remember the received wisdom that you reached your metal peak in your 20s, levelled out at mid age, and then it was all downhill from there.
Science has firmly debunked this idea, as we now understand how the brain develops and changes during our entire lifespan. As an article at Health Harvard says:
“There is no period in life when the brain and its functions just hold steady. Some cognitive functions become weaker with age, while others actually improve.”
Harvard Health, 2017 (1)
Age-related brain changes
Certain areas of our brains do change. Some shrink, some show signs of wear, and receptors may not be as efficient as they once were. (This is separate to the effects of dementia, where protein plaques form and damage brain tissue, disrupting important connections.)
On the upside, the connections between different areas of our brain actually strengthen with age. We become better at “joining the dots” between diverse information, seeing the bigger picture – perhaps this is what forms the basis of wisdom in later life.
Spot the difference
The problem for many of us, either as seniors ourselves or as adult children with aging parents, is distinguishing between the signs of normal age-related cognitive changes, and the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
The Harvard article presented a very useful table to illustrate the differences. Two examples particularly caught our attention. (Please note that these are examples only. If you have any concerns concerning your cognitive ability and mental health, you should always consult a physician.)
1. Driving
“You can’t find your car keys.
v.
You can’t remember how to drive.”
We’ve all “lost” our car keys at some point. They are rarely actually lost, but simply placed somewhere out of the ordinary. We might come in from a dog walk in the rain, throw the keys down on the countertop, and quickly grab a towel before the dog redecorates the kitchen with muddy splashes.
As a result, we forget to put the keys on their usual hook. When we next notice they are not on their hook, it takes time and mental effort to search for them and recall the events prior to the “loss” (rainy walk, wet dog, towel).
However, if you are always losing your keys or other objects and they are discovered in strange place, such as the fridge, that CAN be a sign it’s time to see your physician.
This issue of seniors driving also highlights the importance of making a distinction between loss of the cognitive ability to drive, and loss of physical ability. Many adult children will worry that their parents should not be driving because they are physically unable to do certain movements such as turning their head at junctions, or moving a foot quickly onto the brake. A general loss of concentration and mental awareness may also be due to advancing years rather than dementia. (For more details see our article on seniors and driving: )
That is quite different from not remembering how to drive. The article modifies this rather stark statement, suggesting that it’s time to visit your doctor if also
“You’re very slow to react behind the wheel, and you often miss stop signs or red lights.”
2. Recall and memory
You forget what you ate for dinner last night, but you remember as soon as someone gives you a hint.
vs
You forget what you ate for dinner last night and no reminders can jog your memory.
Many adult children calling mom and dad on the phone may ask questions like “What did you have for dinner?” and be disappointed when their parent/s cannot remember. Instead, it may be better to reframe the question to give a hint. So perhaps say “Did you have (favourite meal) for dinner?” rather than “What did you have…”
Simply reframing the questions can really help conversation with those with age-related memory loss as much as those with earl dementia. As one family carer suggested:
“Reframe questions. Avoid using ‘W questions’ like “who?”, “what?”, “when?” and “where?” … Make a statement – they can add their experience.”
Dementia UK, 2019. (2)
(We’ll be looking as reframing questions for those with dementia in a future article – watch this space.)
Home care and cognitive decline
If you or your senior loved ones are struggling to cope with everyday life, home care can provide just the right amount of assistance required. With a helping hand from our caregivers, you or your loved ones can continue to live independently at home, and enjoy life rather than worry about laundry loads or how they can wash their hair.
Contact us to discuss your requirements for exceptional home care experiences in Calgary, delivered by our exceptional caregivers.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician / health care provider if you have any questions about your health.
SOURCES:
- (1) Harvard Health, (2017, August 30). How memory and thinking ability change with age [Blog Post] https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-memory-and-thinking-ability-change-with-age
- (2) Alzheimer’s Society UK, (2019, May 24). Your questions answered by people affected by dementia [Blog Post] https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/your-dementia-questions-answered
