The Aging Brain and Finding Purpose (READ MORE...)

As human beings face a time of historical change, it is more important than ever to take care of our mind and function through living with purpose. Currently the most important relationship we have is the connection with our brain. Due to the way the brain significantly impacts our mental stability, cognitive function, and lifestyle, we can use neuroplasticity (neu.ro.plas.tic.i.ty), to create an individually targeted purpose or even retrain our mind, no matter what our age may be!

Relearning Processes

The nervous system (neurology) is the processing center for responses. These responses are behaviors in which our body chooses to act or react. For example, playing a sport or an instrument is a choice, we choose to do this activity. However, we also process responses by reacting, such as, reflexes or automatic responses i.e., touching something hot, and pulling away quickly. These functions are described as "connections" between neurons and a synopsis of cognitive and/or motor learning skills. What that means is, the mental action of processing, (which is learning a behavior), can be through the use of thoughts, experiences, or even by the use of our senses.

Neuroplasticity a.k.a. "brain plasticity" is an adjustment or a relearning of processes in the human brain.  This is often referred to as “reorganization”, and helps individuals learn or re-learn new roles or functions. These relearning techniques have been a significant advancement in neurological scientific research. Previously, scientists believed once an individual passed the adolescent years of "learning" they were no longer capable of absorbing new material, such as:

  • Learning a new language

  • Regaining mobility after an injury

  • Developing intellectually

  • Recovering from emotional disorders

However, research has proven individuals are capable of relearning or retraining the brain, even after catastrophic events. Norman Doidge, M.D., (2007) wrote about the use of neuroplasticity and rewiring one woman's senses, to create new pathways of activity to the brain (new connections between neurons). This process actually enabled the woman to walk again after serious damage was done to her body from overly prescribed antibiotics (Doidge, 2007).

Experiencing Change

For many, we become accustomed to a routine, and at times it is hard to drag yourself from that repetitive behavior. Healthier eating habits, more exercise, and the power of positivity are things that make us feel good. These habits require us to practice this new behavior either weekly or daily, when building a healthier lifestyle. John Medina (2014), a molecular biologist and author of Brain Rules, relays ways in which human beings can experience a fuller lifestyle by using these 12-Brain Rules.  Here are just a few (Brain Rules, 2014):

 
12 step brain article.png
 

  • Exercise:

    • "Aerobic exercise at least twice a week can reduce your chances by half, from dementia."

  • Sensory Integration

    • "Stimulate more of the senses, by trying to use them all.  Focus on what you are tasting, hearing, touching, etc…”

  • Every brain is wired differently

    • "There are many ways to be intelligent, not just by an IQ."

  • Sleep

    • "Loss of sleep hurts attention, executive function, working memory, mood, quantitative skills, logical reasoning, and even motor dexterity."

These "rules" outlined by Mr. Medina, help structure and create an environment in which we thrive.

Just Keep Learning

We all have aspirations and goals to meet in this lifetime. Your purpose is what drives you. So, when those bumps in the road on our journey try to stop us from finishing, it is incredible to know we are not stuck or broken down for good. We have the ability to retrain our brain, or move those connectors by using different activities to create new pathways. We also know and can be assured, just because we grow old, doesn't mean our journey has to stop. M.D., Doidge (2014) relays the story of neuroscientist, Paul Bach-y-Rita, whose father had succumbed to a stroke, leaving him unable to speak or even bathe himself. Through the use of repetitive exercises, and will-power, this gentleman went on to fully recover the use of his limbs, was able to walk again, and even his speech returned. 

Is it not too far off to insist that the sheer power of the brain is a remarkable thing? As our experiences change, so does the way our brain processes information. Neurons shifting and creating new ways to maneuver around damaged areas, can create new pathways and rehabilitate individuals. Theory has it, different brain functions can only be associated in specific lobes (motor skills, auditory, visual, etc...) This is called localizationism and often referred to as "one function, one location."

 
the external structures of the brain.png
 

We can see that this theory (localizationism), may be true in some instances, however, the recovery process as indicated above in Bach-y-Rita's father, shows that while massive damage to the nerves, brain centers, and cortex may exist, the possibility of relearning movement, speech, or even new operations of action are absolutely attainable. We can also see brain-stimulating exercises enhance and continue to keep the brain processing information:

  • Word Games

  • Listening to music or playing an instrument

  • Cooking

  • Jigsaw puzzles

  • Having a hobby/craft 

These are really great ways to keep your brain active and constantly finding new pathways through new connections that "fire together and wire together". These "exercises" help attain a necessary level of retention, and optimize brain function. Isn't it a wonderful thing to know aging doesn't have to hinder our ability to continually learn new and wonderful things!

 
brain stimulating exercises.png
 

Determine the Purpose of Your Life

Essentially, we can be thankful knowing there are processes and steps to take as preventative measures enabling us to deal with aging and also memory retention. As we have seen, repetitive practices such as exercise, good sleeping habits, and brain-stimulating exercises are all steps that can be used to create a healthier lifestyle.  These habits keep us young at heart, and in the mind!

References:

Rick Hanson, Ph.D.. (2007). Seven Facts About the Brain That Incline the Mind to Joy. Retrieved from https://www.rickhanson.net/seven-facts-brain-incline-mind-joy-2/

Doidge, N. (2007). The Brain That Changes Itself. New York, NY: Penguin Books.

BrainFacts.org. (2020). How Experience Shapes Your Brain. Retrieved from http://2) https://www.brainfacts.org/core-concepts/how-experience-shapes-your-brain

Oxford Learning. (2020). Cognitive Learning. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearning.com/cognitive-learning/

Medina, J. (2014) Brain Rules. Seattle, WA: Pear Press.

Sun Health Communities. (2016). 7-Exercises for Older Adults. Retrieved from https://www.sunhealthcommunities.org/resource-center/articles/7-brain-exercises-older-adults/

Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2020). Paul Bach-y-Rita. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Paul-Bach-y-Rita

Huang, E. J., & Reichardt, L. F. (2001). Neurotrophins: roles in neuronal development and function. Annual review of neuroscience, 24, 677–736.

Valeria Maltoni. (2006-2020). Conversation Agent. Retrieved from https://www.conversationagent.com/2018/02/brain-rules-12-principles-for-how-the-brain-works.html

Image Source(1) Found: https://www.conversationagent.com/2018/02/brain-rules-12-principles-for-how-the-brain-works.html

Image Source(2) Found: https://ib.bioninja.com.au/options/option-a-neurobiology-and/a2-the-human-brain/brain-sections.html

Image Source(3) Found: https://interestingengineering.com/25-brain-exercises-to-make-you-a-mental-heavyweight

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