Aging does take a toll on the brain, but it's not as bad as most people might think. The ability to acquire knowledge may be slowed, but older people have stored more knowledge over a longer time. When severe declines in memory and mental functioning do occur, they're generally caused by a disease such as Alzheimer's. Infections, nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, stress and sleep disorders can be causes for memory loss. Sometimes our brains become a little rusty with disuse.
Scientific evidence shows that lack of proper mental stimulation can actually harm the brain.
Retirement and other life changes can alter daily routines that provide a regular stream of mental stimulation. Fortunately, knowledge of and treatments for illnesses that disproportionately strike the elderly are improving. The good news is there are some things people can do to help ensure a vital old age. There is every reason to be optimistic about having good mental functioning and good mental health as we grow older. Aging experts have recommended a number of simple strategies to stay mentally healthy and maintain memory and other functions that can change with age.