Neuroscientist says we can mostly control aging process

For decades, people have believed they are prisoners of heredity and environment when it comes to brain health and function as one ages.

Although this belief is not entirely false, neuroscientist Glenn Heideman, a former longtime professor at the University of Arizona in Tucson, has reason to believe that the activities we engage in every day directly affect how well we age biologically.

Saturday afternoon at the Prescott Public Library, Heideman told an audience of about 50 people that they have significantly more control over the way their brains evolve than anyone previously believed imaginable even 10 years ago.

"People long thought that the aging process was fixed and that it was a function of the gene pool," Heideman said. "That has been proven false recently."

For example, he said, scientists used to think heredity accounted for 85 percent of the quality of the aging process, and just 15 percent was attributed to lifestyle. Now there is a "new paradigm of aging" telling us the complete opposite is true.

Heideman added that it's empowering to know we can take an active part in the aging process.

One sobering statistic Heideman shared, however, is that 50 percent of the human population aged 85 has developed Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia.

The other 50 percent, he says, are engaging in "brain-healthy behaviors." In other words, they are getting outside, exercising, watching what they eat and stimulating their brains.

A 70-year-old who sits around an apartment all day, doesn't exercise and eats whatever he or she wants is estimated to have a biological age of 85, he said.

However, the 70-year-old who is in control of his or her daily routine under optimal circumstances could have a biological age as young as 55. That's a 30-year difference in the effectiveness of our memory, concentration and judgment.

Heideman said some ways to keep the brain functioning at a high level include learning a new hobby; traversing a different route to a familiar place; learning more about computers; initiating a conversation with someone you don't know; and painting or drawing with one's non-dominant hand.

These activities build multiple new neural pathways in the brain that are necessary to maintain highly functional brains into one's 70s, 80s and 90s.

"We lose neurons as we age," Heideman said. "If we use our brains, we slow down the process of neuron loss. We need to try new things and meet new people. We also need to stay positive and smile, which releases (the healthy chemicals) dopamine and serotonin in our brains. Everything that's good for the brain is good for the heart."

And as long as folks stay active, they can reduce their risk for developing Alzheimer's up to 70 percent.

In addition, Heideman says high levels of stress are like "battery acid" on brain cells. Our thoughts and emotions can either help or harm brain health. It's also important to stop negative thoughts - whether through prayer, meditation or deep breathing, for instance - than let them fester.

"Our brains change every day, depending on what we are doing," Heideman said. "If it was an interesting day with some exercise and an activity, the brain changes for the better. The brain you lay down with tonight will be different than the one you wake up with.

"Science is giving us the power to be at the helm of our own ship."

For more information about Heideman and his discussion, call 520-909-6393.

SOURCE: prescottdailycourier