Myths About Older Brains

Many people worry about losing mental faculties as they get older, and perhaps think there’s nothing they can do to prevent the inevitable development of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. It’s no wonder, our minds are, quite literally, who we are, and the idea of either forgetting huge parts of our lives, or becoming unable to form new memories are frightening prospects. But many of the preconceptions people have about older brains aren’t necessarily true, and there’s a whole litany of myths out there that can cause undue stress and mental anguish to people as they age. Read on to hear some of these common beliefs, and the reality that refutes them.

Myth: Mental deterioration is inevitable as we age.

Certain age-related memory changes happen to most people as they age, yes. It’s quite normal and quite common to have moments where you’re trying to recall something and it seems it’s just on the tip of your tongue. Forgetting a name or a word momentarily, or forgetting where you put your glasses when they’re on your head, or thinking you’ve forgotten your keys when they’re in fact in your hand, these are all no cause for alarm. While there is going to be some amount of loss of cognitive function as we age, the brains of older people can in fact grow new neurons. Most people will retain all their mental faculties until the end of their lives.

Myth: If a family member has Alzheimer’s, so will I.

While genetics are one factor in the development of Alzheimer's, the disease is caused by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors. By disrupting any of the controllable lifestyle factors, you can lower the risk or slow the development of symptoms. And some people whose brains show the typical Alzheimer’s related changes nonetheless have little to no outward signs of the disease.

Myth: There’s no way to slow down a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.

Research has shown that many of the lifestyle factors that reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s also slow down the progression of symptoms. Eating a brain-healthy diet rich in omega-3 fats, getting plenty of exercise, reducing stress, refraining from cigarettes and excess alcohol, and taking part in mentally stimulating exercises like games and learning all help. Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and others are all important as well.

Myth: Cognitive training will help the most.

While there’s a lot of money spent convincing you “brain games” are the best way to keep your brain healthy and engaged, research on them has mixed results at best. The truth is any activity requiring brain power will help build new connections in the brain and strengthen existing ones, which helps keep us mentally sharp and better able to recall old memories and make new ones. Learning anything new, like a new instrument, a new board or card game, or even just socializing with your friends has as much of a positive effect as any commercially advertised brain game. You could be getting the same results at your weekly bridge game.