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Aging results increased mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. There is a dysregulated energy metabolism with altered calcium homeostasis.
As we age the brain shrinks resulting in cognitive decline. Aging may be considered a precursor to dementia
We live in a world where the number of elderly people is increasing. Aging comes with its problems which could be musculoskeletal, cardiac or neurological. As we age the brain shrinks resulting in cognitive decline. Aging may be considered a precursor to dementia. Aging results increased mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress. There is a dysregulated energy metabolism with altered calcium homeostasis. This in combination with aberrant neuronal activity results in reduced cognitive function.
Dr Rohit Pai, Consultant Neurology, KMC Hospital Dr B R Ambedkar Circle Mangalore shares some tips for preserving brain health:
• Aerobic exercise. Several studies show the importance of aerobic exercises in preventing aging. When we exercise there is metabolic stress linked with accumulation of energetic signaling molecules. These flip a metabolic switch that activates numerous protective cellular pathways.
• Dietary/Lifestyle intervention strategies. Calorie restriction with 10-50 % reduction in caloric intake and intermittent fasting help in reducing aging. Both increase cellular stress resistance and stress response. They modulate energy sensing proteins. Choosing low carbohydrate diets or diets rich in fruits, nuts, vegetables, omega 3 fatty acids and unsaturated fats help in preventing brain aging. Mediterranean diet, Ketogenic diet or a combination of these diets and increasing consumption of vegetables and green tea catechins could improve working memory and stabilize the brain network.
• Select pharmacological anti-aging treatments have shown to increase life span. Aspirin, Acarbose, Protandim are some of the compounds studied. To date rapamycin and 17 α estradiol appear to be most effective. However, more research is needed to study their bioavailability in humans.
• Control of blood pressure, sugars and improving cholesterol will help in preventing ischemic burden to the brain. Silent clots due to these factors will lead to vascular dementia. Diet, regular exercise with periodic monitoring will help in a long way in reducing aging.
• Avoiding tobacco and avoiding excess alcohol consumption
• Sleep disturbances can increase beta amyloid a protein that accumulates in Alzheimer’s dementia. Regular sleep schedule, avoiding alcohol at night avoiding caffeine in the evening, limiting fluid intake before bed, staying away from electronics before bed are some of the measures suggested to improve sleep hygiene which will go in a long way to prevent aging.
