The brain does not have to deteriorate as we grow older. In fact, one recent study shows that new cell growth in the brain occurs in adults, something previously thought not to occur. This growth occurs in the hippocampus which is where memories are stored.
Another recent study shows that brain cells do not die as we age. In fact, when we are senior citizens, we will have the same number of brain cells as when we were teenagers.
Nearly 90% of people will age without any memory impairment caused by diseases or other medical conditions. The decline that most people will experience is due to a reduction in the number of dendrites in the brain, which form the connections between neurons in the brain.
Dendrites deteriorate because of disuse. The good news is that this can be avoided by staying mentally active. Solving brain teasers and playing games is one way to keep mentally fit.
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