Mental decline is almost certain as we grow older. In an interview with NPR, neurologist Robert S. Wilson pointed out that, whether they have started showing symptoms or not, nearly everyone in their 80s has brain pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease, other dementias or stroke. Medical research has found no treatment can prevent the onset of dementia, but it may be possible to delay the symptoms through brain exercises.
Benefits
The LiveScience article, "Brain Exercises Can Delay Mental Decline, But Then Watch Out", details the results of a research project headed by Dr. Wilson which has been studying over a thousand people over 65 since 1993. This study has supported the results of other research, which has shown people who remain mentally active with activities such as reading and puzzle-solving delay the onset of dementia symptoms by many years.
Drawbacks
This same study showed a disturbing result of cognitive activity. People who use brain exercises for dementia prevention deteriorate much more rapidly once the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease start. They lose cognitive function at an accelerated rate and, in the long run, end up with the same severity of symptoms as less cognitively active people in the study. While this may seem counterintuitive, it is a result expected by neurologists.
Theories/Speculation
Although the progression of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, neurologists know it is caused by plaques and tangles of proteins building up in the brain and interfering with neural activity. Cognitively active people suffer just as much damage, but are better able to cope with it. Researchers theorize that, since cognitive activity enlarges areas of the brain, these people have a buffer against the damage. However, this means once they start showing symptoms, their brains have accumulated more damage, so will deteriorate more rapidly.
Solution
Dr. Wilson emphasized in his NPR interview that cognitive activities are still a valuable tool for dementia prevention. Although patients end up in the same state in the long run, mentally active people spend more time in a cognitively healthy state. Dr. Wilson admitted the study didn't focus on what kinds of activities are best, but suggested any task which is both mentally challenging and fun will provide the best results. He also mentioned studies which showed theater classes have a greater positive impact on memory and cognitive function than other classes.
Potential
Research on Alzheimer's disease still has a long way to go. In an article in Medpage Today, Dr. Wilson and his fellow researchers listed some limitations of the study. It is known the damage to the brain begins many years before symptoms appear, and doctors are developing new tools such as brain imaging and blood analyses which can provide warning and allow earlier intervention. In the meantime, it is never too early to start brain exercises to stave off the mental decay which is an inevitable part of aging.
