Forgetting small things is normal for people of all ages. As we age, this forgetfulness can become more common. According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly four out of 10 people notice mild memory loss by age 65. In addition to mild memory loss, seniors are at an increased risk for developing dementia.
Along with lifestyle changes, like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, brain training can help maintain brain health, even with age. After the age of 65, your risk of developing dementia doubles approximately every five years. Taking proactive steps to care for your brain, including regular “brain workouts” of exercises, games or activities that challenge the brain, can help lower this risk.
Memory and aging
Like other organs, our brains also change with age. As a result, some people may find that they don’t remember or recall information as quickly as they used to. The changes in the brain due to aging can affect things like learning and memory. This is a natural process called cognitive aging or brain aging and it is usually not a sign of a serious memory problem.
What is cognitive aging?
Cognitive aging refers to changes in the ability to think, learn and remember that occur as we age. Cognitive aging is not a disease but a natural part of the aging process. It can have positive and negative effects. While wisdom, experience and knowledge typically increase with age, other abilities, like processing speed, decision-making and some types of memory, may decline.
What is dementia?
Dementia is the progressive loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Some common signs of dementia include:
- Asking the same question over and over again
- Getting lost in places you know well
- Struggling to follow simple instructions
- Forgetting names, faces or important details about time and places
There are various types of dementia including:
- Alzheimer’s disease (the most common type of dementia)
- Vascular dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Head injury
- Stroke
Dementia symptoms typically get worse over time and are not reversible.
Benefits of brain training for seniors
While you can’t stop your brain from aging, there are steps you can take to keep it sharp and support your cognitive function or ability to understand and function in the world. This kind of “mental exercise” is particularly important for seniors. Brain games, for example, can help seniors stay active and healthy. Even better, brain training and lifestyle changes can help improve cognitive function and positively contribute to mental health.