Brain Highly Capable of Reorganizing/Rebuilding Itself

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Be Well,

Misty L. Trepke

http://www..com

 

The brain is highly capable of reorganizing and rebuilding itself.

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The human brain contains more than 100 billion nerve cells called

neurons. Until a few years ago, neuroscientists said thousands of

brain cells died every day, year after year, decade after decade,

eventually culminating in an enormous, inevitable loss of good

mental function. Fortunately, this bleak view was misguided.

 

Recent research shows that few neurons are lost and that, in

reality, the brain is highly capable of reorganizing and rebuilding

itself, even into old age. Although there is some loss, it's far

less than once believed and appears to be confined to certain highly

select areas. Those areas essential for memory, though, largely are

spared.

 

Better yet, the evidence strongly suggests that certain good habits

and simple lifestyle measures can preserve and even boost mental

well-being. The long-held belief that nerve cells cannot regenerate

also is inaccurate. In 1998, researchers proved that the adult brain

contains cells capable of dividing and becoming healthy new nerve

cells. Instead of dying, these cells seem to shrink.

 

Although the shrinkage appears to contribute to the general slowdown

of mental function associated with aging, it does not seem to cause

disability. Serious mental impairment seems to occur only when vast

clusters of neurons are destroyed by a major disorder, such as a

stroke or Alzheimer's disease.

 

It also appears that a reduction in the production of specialized

brain chemicals needed to conduct signals from one nerve cell to

another contributes to age-related memory changes. That may be good

news. If the neurons still are intact and only the specialized brain

chemicals are lacking, we might be able to enhance the speed of

mental processing by treating the chemical deficiency.

 

What these and other recent findings show is that the brain is not

hard-wired but remarkably plastic, even when challenged by stress.

For example, in the wake of a stroke, the brain often can compensate

for damage to speech or motor centers by rerouting nerve signals

through new pathways.

 

There are several ways that we can keep our minds sharp. These

activities include mental stimulation, physical exercise and social

connections. These things are important:

 

** Education and mental activity. Repeated rehearsal of information

and the developing critical thinking skills promote plasticity,

increasing both the number and the strength of synapses

(electrochemical connections between neurons).

 

** Physical activity. The brain requires more oxygen than any other

organ. It utilizes about 25 percent of all the oxygen taken in by

the lungs, yet it has no oxygen storage capability. Thus, brain

cells need a continuous supply of oxygen. Regular, vigorous aerobic

exercise enhances circulatory health, which, in turn, promotes

adequate oxygen delivery.

 

** Emotional well-being. Having a strong sense of purpose and

meaning is a key characteristic of people who thrive in their later

years. Frequent contact with family and friends, community

activities and satisfaction with one's accomplishments are

important.

 

** Managing stress. Stress triggers the release of hormones that can

block the production of new brain cells and, over prolonged periods,

kill nerve cells. Stress hormones also can lead to chronic medical

conditions capable of undermining brain health. Regular exercise,

yoga, meditation and seeking help from support groups or a

professional counselor can help defuse stress.

 

** Limiting alcohol and caffeine intake. Excessive alcohol

consumption quickly can destroy large numbers of brain cells, which

can lead to confusion, impaired balance and coordination, sleep

disturbances and depression. While a little caffeine temporarily

seems to enhance concentration, too much can cause jitters and

confusion.

 

** Not smoking.

 

** Treating chronic physical and mental problems. Certain health

problems can lead to secondary brain function problems. For example,

overly aggressive treatment of diabetes can produce low blood sugar,

which starves the brain of the glucose it needs to function

properly. Similarly, untreated heart disease can reduce the brain's

blood supply.

 

** Limiting television. Watching television is not as stimulating as

reading, conversation, playing word games and working puzzles.

 

** Getting adequate sleep. As we age, we need fewer hours of sleep

per night and tend to awaken more frequently throughout the night.

It is nonetheless crucial to get enough sleep, generally at least

six hours per night.

 

** Eating right. Although there is no compelling evidence that any

foods or nutrients will enhance normal memory or intelligence, a

well-balanced, low-fat diet is essential for good circulatory

health.

 

Breaking routine also is helpful. Simple tricks such as occasionally

brushing your teeth with the nondominant hand, taking a different

route on your errands, and finding your car keys by touch instead of

sight can help sharpen mental skills.

 

Periodically review your medication. Memory problems can be a side

effect of many drugs. Furthermore, some drugs that would be fairly

harmless when taken alone may cause problems when combined with

other drugs.

 

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2003 Charlotte Observer. .

 

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