Cognitive aging is the natural age-related change in how the brain works. Some abilities predictably weaken, some are preserved. It is important to distinguish normal aging from mild cognitive impairment and dementia.
What weakens and what is preserved
With age, the earliest and most noticeable declines are in processing speed, working memory, memory for recent events and fluid intelligence. At the same time, vocabulary, general knowledge and mastered skills (crystallized intelligence) are usually preserved or even grow. That is why experience often compensates for the slowing.
What happens in the brain
With age the brain's volume decreases (individual regions lose up to ~1% a year), the frontal lobes and white matter suffer more, and synaptic density and the levels of a number of neurotransmitters fall. Against this background neuroplasticity also weakens, though it is preserved throughout life. This makes the brain slower, but not necessarily "ill".
Norm or disease, and what protects
Normal aging is mild changes without loss of independence. Progressive memory loss, disorientation and everyday difficulties are no longer the norm. The brain is protected by regular physical activity, a Mediterranean type of diet, control of blood pressure and blood sugar, sleep, quitting smoking, and mental and social activity — everything that builds up cognitive reserve.
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Frequently asked questions
Is memory decline with age inevitable?
A slight slowing of memory and thinking is a normal part of aging. But marked decline is not inevitable: physical activity, sleep, control of blood pressure and blood sugar and mental activity noticeably slow it down.
How do you tell aging from dementia?
In normal aging a person keeps their independence, and forgetfulness does not interfere with life. In dementia, memory and thinking worsen progressively and disrupt everyday life. A doctor determines the exact boundary.