We tell you whether physiological changes can be slowed down.
When does aging begin?
Different parts of the brain age at different times of life. For example, scientists have found that the first changes begin after age 20. With the age of 40 the volume of the brain decreases, and this process continues at an accelerated pace after 70 years of age.
This is due to destructive changes in brain tissue. The volume of gray matter, the main component of the central nervous system, decreases during adulthood. The mechanisms contributing to cell death are still unclear.
Types of brain aging
Brain aging is associated with small vessel damage and some neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
The term “dementia” also occurs. It is an extreme degree of cognitive impairment, in which the person loses independence and becomes dependent on the help of third parties (family, social workers).
Vascular cognitive disorders
Vascular cognitive impairment is a general term describing difficulties with thinking processes caused by damage to the brain due to impaired blood flow.
Signs of vascular cognitive impairment include:
- Problems with attention and concentration;
- decreased ability to switch between tasks;
- Increased time spent on familiar tasks;
- slowed “visceral” thinking;
- memory problems;
- restlessness and agitation;
- sleep disturbances, insomnia;
- depression or apathy.
These symptoms may develop after stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and excess cholesterol, and smoking.
