Named the habit of long-livers for preserving brain youth

The secret to a clear mind at 80-90 years old: neurologist reveals the main factor in brain longevity. American specialist Baibin Cheng from Henry Ford Hospital shared unexpected findings.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to Daily Mirror, the medical expert noted that while physical exercise and proper nutrition are certainly important for slowing down age-related brain changes, it's a rich social life that becomes the key distinguishing factor for elderly people with preserved intellect.

Research cited by the specialist discovered an interesting feature: such long-living individuals have a significantly better developed anterior cingulate gyrus in the cerebral cortex. This area is responsible for emotional regulation, concentration, and social contacts. The process of communication works as a complex brain training: during conversations and interactions, neural networks of memory, empathy, speech perception, and attention are activated, making social activity a powerful stimulus for preserving cognitive abilities.

Interestingly, regular social contacts significantly improve the hormonal balance of the body. During communication, the level of cortisol—the stress hormone, which in high concentrations negatively affects memory and causes neuron depletion—decreases. Simultaneously, the production of oxytocin and dopamine—hormones responsible for trust, emotional closeness, motivation, pleasure, and learning ability—increases.