Following the very interesting question: "https://www.researchgate.net/post/Is_there_is_decrease_in_number_of_neurons_with_aging/1" asked by https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Aftab_Ahmad11, I wonder if it's true that this decease of neurons with age is very decelerated by the reading in very different disciplines. especially when this read is daily and is done by concentration on the senses.
Is there a difference between intellectuals and others ...
Also, is a special diet has an influence ? the memory exercises ? etc...
This question is rather moot, considering that recent research findings actually show that normal, healthy aging is not associated with a loss of neurons, per se. Rather, synapses, astrocytes, glial cells and myelin do show morphological change and losses with age. Thus, the idea that any kind of cognitive training, exercise, or dietary intervention serves to spare neurons in older age is rather misguided, IMO.
Although enhancing or maintaining cardiovascular functioning via aerobic exercise appears the best intervention in neurocognitive aging, this appears to occur through other mechanisms than staving off neuronal loss. This is not to say that other factors such as education and cognitive engagement may not also be beneficial, but they do not appear to alter the number of neurons in most brain regions.
Findings regarding neurogenesis (i.e., the formation or birth of new neurons) are limited to specific regions - the hippocampal dentate gyrus and the olfactory bulb. Although age, exercise, and behavioral/cognitive enrichment may all be linked with changes in neurogenesis in these regions, this is appears qualitatively different from the OP's question.
Indeed we had a long and inspiring discussion in the cited question above. And if I remember well, the interconnections between neurons seemed to be the reason for ceasing intellect. And as @Andrew stated, the regeneration and "birth" of new neurons is surely not to be expected as help against the diminishing of the mental abilities with increasing age.
Dear Dr Noureddine, brain is part of our body, and an alkaline diet is good for our body (promoting strong bones and muscles, improve heart health and brain function). I also like Brain exercises, but I find that many of the sites providing them seem to require us to pay for them. Do you know about free websites providing brain exercises? Thanks. (This is a good question; you can share it with your followers. Have a nice day.)
http://www.webmd.com/diet/alkaline-diets
http://capitaldistrictvitalitycenter.com/blog/2014/04/how-alkaline-and-acidic-diets-affect-your-health/
NIce chess tip,
but not everyone likes it. All other mental exercises are with the same effect, eg Sudoku with all is variations, reading good books, discussing, trying to understand and to reply to RG questions and answers and....
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