How You Can Rewire Your Brain Over 45

 Read more from Janis

Your brain is a bit like a road. You spend the first twenty years building it, the next ten consolidating and then, at age 30 your road is at its physical peak. Over the next ten years, additional traffic may consolidate it more and it may actually get better.

However, after 40, the inevitable deterioration begins. Without maintenance, by age 60, your brain is a badly neglected and sad road for information to travel along and by 80 the road is falling apart. Like a road, if you aren’t building it or repairing it, your brain will begin to decline.

The good news is that although this decline is inevitable, our brains remain ‘plastic’(able to change) for our entire life and repairing or building can start at any age (called neuroplasticity).

Michael Merzenich, often called the ‘father of brain plasticity’, has just written a book full of examples of this.

Unfortunately, many people ignore their brain and fall into a state of decline that is natural but not necessary. The research shows that if we do not start to build our brains over age 40, they will surely decline over the next few decades. This will result in some or all of the symptoms of ‘brain fade’ that we can see over age 60: poor memory, slower responses, confusion, less flexibility and becoming a caricature of our younger self.

But wait – it isn’t all bad news! Some people are super smart and fast-thinking and ‘onto it’ until they die. Think Einstein, Gaudi, and the amazing lady who lived next door to my parents in Remuera. We all know people who have retained their faculties and added wisdom to their perspective. What is their secret? The secret is practice; putting energy into doing the things that will renew the connections (wiring) in the brain – stopping the rot and rebuilding the strength of our network of wiring connections.

Scientists are quite clear about the essentials for avoiding brain fade and building wisdom. Even in those with existing dementia, these habits can enable better brain function and help to retain functionality for longer. But preventing the onset of dementias such as Alzheimer’s is a better option for those in their 40s, 50’s and 60’s.

The Wiring Warriors are passionate about energising others to build their own brains to prevent brain fade and develop wisdom in our ageing population. We offer support through introductory talks, books, Spark tools, articles and workshops. If you are ready to learn more about ways to build the brain check out my previous articles on GrownUps.

Brain Spark Spa Event

For a great experience with others and an opportunity to practice with an expert, come to our Brain Spark Spa in Albany on Sunday 16th March.  Download the details and book for the Spa here.

For information in general, check us on the Wiring Warriors website here.

Please join the Wiring Warriors groups: on Facebook or on LinkedIn.

For more information about brain Plasticity in ‘Soft –Wired. How the New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life’ by Dr. Michael Merzenich. This is available from the library or in paperback.