In October 1984, then-president Ronald Reagan was debating his Democratic opponent, Walter Mondale, when he was asked about his age. Regan responded with his now famous line, “I want you to know that I will not make age an issue of this campaign. I am not going to exploit, for political purposes, my opponent’s youth and inexperience.” Reagan was seventy-three years old at the time.
The current presidential campaign features two elderly candidates: President Biden is eighty-one, and former President Donald Trump is seventy-seven. The presence of two senior citizens has led some to wonder about aging and cognitive decline. With aging comes normal changes, but many people maintain their acuity well into their later years.
Aging is normal, and with it comes normal age-related changes. In terms of raw brain power, cognitive performance peaks at a very early age. By the time adults move into their late thirties, their brains have already peaked, and the beginning signs of shrinkage are evident. The brain’s outer layer thins, and intracerebral communication between neurons becomes less efficient.
There are no magic pills to ward off dementia, but there are some well-known factors that are linked to prolonged mental acuity. Generally, people who retire and then spend their time sitting on the couch watching TV tend to lose abilities faster than those who maintain an active lifestyle. Gerontological researchers have identified the following factors: cardiovascular health, mental stimulation, good sleep habits, hearing, and social engagement.
Cardiovascular Health: Generally, the healthier you keep your body, the more likely you are to retain your cognitive skills. Maintaining good cardiovascular health can help brain health. After Alzheimer’s Disease, vascular dementia is the next most common type of dementia, accounting for approximately 20-30% of all cases. Maintaining good cardiovascular fitness reduces the risk of developing vascular dementia.
Mental Stimulation: Use it or lose it. Researchers have shown that mental stimulation is associated with improved cognitive reserve.
Sleep: Good sleep habits are essential. Sleeping too little or too much can also lead to cognitive problems.
Hearing: Loss of hearing is an established risk factor for dementia. Diminished hearing causes people to become more withdrawn and isolated, which leads to decreased stimulation and engagement. Hearing aids can help preserve mental fitness.
Social Engagement: Researchers have found that most elderly people who maintain their cognitive faculties have strong social relationships with others.
Aging is inevitable, but there are things we can do to maximize the likelihood we will retain our cognitive skills for as long as possible.
Dr. Kenneth Freundlich, the Morris Psychological Group’s Managing Partner, heads the Neuropsychology and Consulting Divisions. With over thirty-five years of experience, Dr. Freundlich’s practice is exclusively devoted to neuropsychological evaluation and management consultation.
