Your brain age maybe older than you

- Wed, 17 Oct 2007

The concept of brain age is becoming widely used although not necessarily accurately understood.  Often people think their brain age indicates that they can perform a task at a level consistent with a particular age group- usually younger.  However how well a task or brain teaser is performed does not necessarily equate with the physical health of your brain.

A recent article published in Brain, Journal of Neurology, indicated that there is a preclinical stage in Alzheimer's disease.  This means that the brain has pathological changes (plaques) for several years before the conditon is evident in poor memory function.  This is consitent with other findings that a number of healthy adults have brain pathology consistent with Alzheimer's.  Consequently, although these subjects perform well their brain is actually 'older' and at significant risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The question then becomes- why do some people with mild cognitive impairment and pathology develop Alzheimer's disease and some do not?  Neuroscientists around the world are still resolving this question.  One possible explanation is the amount of brain activity undertaken across the lifespan and another is the notion of brain reserve.  Either way both ideas revolve around 'use it or lose it ' .    To exercise your brain and stimulate potential new growth and connections try scientifically developed brain teasers at  www.headstrongcognitive.com