Named habit of long-livers that preserves brain youth

Many long-lived people aged 80-90 maintain mental clarity thanks to an active social life. This was reported by neurologist Baibin Cheng from Henry Ford Hospital (USA).

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Daily Mirror, the doctor emphasized that while physical activity and a balanced diet do slow down age-related brain changes, it is social involvement that most often distinguishes people with preserved clear thinking in old age.

According to the specialist, studies show: such long-lived individuals have a more developed anterior cingulate gyrus - an area of the brain cortex responsible for regulating emotions, sustained attention, and social interactions. Communication acts as a complex training: during interaction, neural networks associated with memory, empathy, speech perception, and attention control are activated, making social activity one of the strongest stimuli for maintaining cognitive functions.

Additionally, maintaining social connections positively affects hormone levels. Communication reduces the level of cortisol - the main stress hormone, which in excess impairs memory and contributes to neuron depletion - and simultaneously increases the production of oxytocin and dopamine, responsible for feelings of trust, emotional closeness, motivation, pleasure, and learning ability.