If age is a state of mind, this is when the mind begins to decline.
A new study has revealed that brain aging peaks at three distinct ages: 57, 70 and 78.
The research, published in Nature this month, analyzed the brain scans of more than 10,000 adults and looked for changes in their blood protein.
They identified 13 blood proteins that were associated with the “brain age gap,” an indicator for cognitive decline, and found “brain age-related change peaks at 57, 70 and 78” years of age, according to the report.
But there are ways to slow the brain aging process, according to science.
According to Business Insider, the key to longevity could lie in your diet.
The outlet reported that eating ample protein, such as certain fatty fish, or legumes, nuts and whole grains can stave off cognitive aging and improve memory. Leafy greens are also chock-full of essential nutrients that also help the brain.
One previous study claimed that consuming daily multivitamins could be an easy way for older adults to ward off cognitive decline.
Experts have also presented evidence that the Mediterranean diet — which relies on greens, fruits, nuts and fish — can help keep the brain healthy even as it ages.
“A healthy diet helps to improve brain health and prevent cognitive decline,” registered dietitian nutritionist Dr. Lisa Young, who is also a nutrition professor at New York University, previously told The Post.
Exercise is also important for keeping the mind sharp.
“If you want to maintain your mobility and cognitive abilities, one investment you can make is exercising and using your muscles on a daily basis,” neurologist Kim Johnson Hatchett previously told Self.
“You might be surprised to know that even a little bit of daily movement reduces your dementia risk,” she added.
Getting some shut-eye is also imperative for optimal brain function and health.
One study published last year found that sleep deprivation can age the brain, and, on the other hand, getting good sleep — sleeping the same amount of time, at least seven hours, every night — can slow the aging process, according to another report.
Learning new things also positively impacts brain health, according to Rachelle Summers, a neuroscientist and mental wellness coach.
“Activities that challenge your brain — like learning a new language or learning to play an instrument can enhance memory performance,” Summers said online earlier this year.
“These activities stimulate the brain and can promote the growth of new neural connections.”
Loneliness, on the other hand, can negatively affect the mind.
According to The World Health Organization, loneliness is as bad for overall health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. For instance, chronically lonely older adults could be at an increased risk of stroke, according to one study, and could lead to brain shrinkage.
“Given the profound health and societal consequences of loneliness and isolation, we have an obligation to make the same investments in rebuilding the social fabric of society that we have made in addressing other global health concerns, such as tobacco use, obesity, and the addiction crisis,” US Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy previously said.
