Everything gets worse when you get older. I often illustrate aging by using the analogy of making a photocopy of a photocopy of a photocopy, etc. After several iterations the final copy looks pretty distorted. The same kind of thing happens with cell division.
Anyway, I knew that brain function or cognitive abilities decline when one ages. However I thought this happened later in life--like after 50. A new study conducted at the University of Virginia showed that certain aspects of cognitive decline begin during the late 20's.
The study was conducted with 2000 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 60. The participants were given a series of memory puzzles and task when they were 22 and then again at various periods in later years.
Significant decreases in abstract reasoning, puzzle solving and brain speed were evident at age 27. However accumulated knowledge such as vocabulary continued to increase until about age 60 (there's hope).
The key to flexing your brain's muscles (or neurons) lies in integrating (making connections) new knowledge with old. Researchers also found a good deal of variance between individuals.
So I guess this one boils down to good news vs bad news. First the bad news: your brain function will peak about age 22 and then decline. The good news: keep learning new things and integrating them in order to preserve and improve your brain's functioning.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com Reference:
University of Virginia (2009, March 20). Cognitive Decline Begins In Late 20s, Study Suggests
Anyway, I knew that brain function or cognitive abilities decline when one ages. However I thought this happened later in life--like after 50. A new study conducted at the University of Virginia showed that certain aspects of cognitive decline begin during the late 20's.
The study was conducted with 2000 subjects ranging from ages 18 to 60. The participants were given a series of memory puzzles and task when they were 22 and then again at various periods in later years.
Significant decreases in abstract reasoning, puzzle solving and brain speed were evident at age 27. However accumulated knowledge such as vocabulary continued to increase until about age 60 (there's hope).
The key to flexing your brain's muscles (or neurons) lies in integrating (making connections) new knowledge with old. Researchers also found a good deal of variance between individuals.
So I guess this one boils down to good news vs bad news. First the bad news: your brain function will peak about age 22 and then decline. The good news: keep learning new things and integrating them in order to preserve and improve your brain's functioning.
Peace and Healing,
Dr. Bruce
Discover the link between alternative and mainstream medicine:
www.informationalhealing.com
Reference:
University of Virginia (2009, March 20). Cognitive Decline Begins In Late 20s, Study Suggests