Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Changes to cognitive function during the aging process are related Trusted Source to the brain’s white and gray matter volume.
Gray matter volume steadily declines Trusted Source at around ten years of age. Research suggests that cognitively and medically healthier individuals experience less brain atrophy than unhealthy individuals.
Studies also show that regular exercise, Trusted Source, strong relationships, and passion are crucial to maintaining a healthy brain during aging.
In a recent paper, researchers thoroughly reviewed the extensive body of literature available on the link between brain physiology development, physical activity, social relationships, and passion. The evidence shows that increased passion for an area or skill leads to more physical activity, more social relationships, and better well-being.
“Therefore, we say: Find and develop your passion! Grit, or perseverance, is the strength and size of the arrow. Find your area of interest and focus on the process. Take challenges! Challenges are key for growth!” he added.
The research paper was recently published in a special issue of Brain Sciences.
Physical activity (Exercise)
Observational studies indicate that an active lifestyle helps maintain cognitive and neurological health across age groups — especially in higher-order processes such as switching between tasks, working memory, and cognitive inhibition.
For example, older adults who underwent one hour of aerobic training three times per week for six months had increased gray and white matter volume compared to controls.
Relationships (Social networking)
The new paper points to research studies that suggest that maintaining social ties enhances cognitive reserve through cognitive strategies, greater neural growth, and synaptic density, which protect against pathological processes.
Imaging studies have demonstrated that more prominent social networks are linked to a larger orbitofrontal cortex involved in decision—making and amygdala volume.
Passion (Value/Preference)
In their study, the researchers defined passion as “a strong feeling toward a personally crucial value/preference that motivates behaviors and intentions to express that value/preference.”
Other research studies have found that passion is related to more deliberate practice among football players and better well-being and performance among workers.
The researchers concluded that social interactions, physical exercise, and passion are crucial to maintaining brain health.
