ABSTRACT
The brain is basically a collection of nerve cells – neurons – which make multiple connections with other nerve cells. Neurons extend from the brain, into our spinal cord and most of the rest of our body to collect information and deliver commands – but it’s the brain that acts as the central hub. Modern research suggests that some parts of most healthy adult brains decrease in size slightly as we get older. Dementia is a term used to describe a set of symptoms caused by a gradual loss of brain function. Most evidence about what works comes from studies that use formal “brain training” activities such as computer-based memory practice sessions or attention training. Some physical diseases increase the rate at which our brains change, or cause damage beyond the brain’s plastic ability to adapt. Growing older causes physiological and mental changes.
