Surprising Brain Shrink Trigger (and the FIX!)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted August 21, 2023
Here’s what no one tells you about your brain as you age…
You need to WORK to keep it the same size.
It might surprise you that many people’s brains SHRINK quite a bit as they get older.
But notice I said MANY!
Because you don’t have to be one of those folks whose brain is swiftly dwindling…
Your identity, thoughts, and memories are woven into the folds of gray matter in your brain.
Over time, your brain volume falls a small but noticeable amount.
The loss is mainly in areas vital for memory, learning, and cognitive processes.
But as shocking as that sounds, a small gradual shrink IS a natural part of aging. It’s a faster, more severe loss of brain matter that puts memories, cognitive abilities, independence, and general health in peril.
A significant brain volume loss can make a person LESS intelligent and MORE likely to develop dementia. And just as disturbing, it can leave you feeling downright unhappy and dissatisfied with life.
Fighting AGAINST brain shrinkage is a way to protect the core of who you are.
And it turns out that one of the best ways to do that couldn’t be easier… or more satisfying.
According to a new study published in the journal Neurology one of the best ways to maintain your brain size is to preserve good social connections.
The study focused on 8,896 volunteers who were asked all about their social contacts and happiness.
The researchers gathered data on how many people the participants connected with AND how often.
As they aged, the social butterflies in the study…
- had LESS brain shrinkage
- were significantly happier
In fact, the researchers concluded that depression alone was likely one of the major drivers of brain shrinkage.
The research boils down to the old “use it or lose it” adage.
When you’re around people, your brain is constantly challenged. If you spend a lot of time alone, your brain will shrink because it’s not being stimulated.
So, if you want to keep your wits about you well into your golden years, nurture your social contacts.
Here are some ideas to help you do that.
- Stay connected. There have never been more ways to connect with others. Face-to-face meetings are fantastic when you can make them happen. But when you can’t, there are many online ways to see and talk to family and friends. For example, my 92-year-old father recently got on Facebook to stay in touch with his grandkids. Find your family and loved ones online and start communicating.
- Make the MOST of interactions. We naturally feel more satisfied with deep and meaningful connections. This means opening up and sharing your emotions and experiences. And also asking lots of questions to get people to talk about themselves.
- Get outside. Stepping OUTSIDE of your home will make you feel less isolated and alone. And something as simple as taking a walk, visiting a local business, or sitting in the park will make you feel more connected to the world.
- Consider a pet. If you like animals, a pet is a terrific way to form a meaningful connection right there in your own home.
Hold on to your brain power AND happiness by connecting with others starting TODAY.
P.S. Unhappiness and loneliness are on the rise. That’s TERRIBLE news for our health. But this “Happiness Method” could be the fix.
Source:
Study: “Association Between Frequency of Social Contact and Brain Atrophy in Community-Dwelling Older People Without Dementia: The JPSC-AD Study for the Japan Prospective Studies Collaboration for Aging and Dementia (JPSC-AD) Study, Neurology Jul 2023, 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207602; DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000207602
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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