What Is Brain Atrophy?
Many worry that with age will come lost memories and a certain degree of lost intellect. Unfortunately, this can be a reality for some. When this happens, this is known as brain atrophy.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) suggests that the risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increases as we age. Their results showed that the rate of MCI was 6.7% in those aged 60-64, and had increased to 14.9% in those aged 80-84.
There are two types of brain atrophy. Focal brain atrophy refers to damaged neurons in a specific area of the brain. This means that the impairment is shown only in the area(s) that were controlled by the damaged part of the brain.
Generalized brain atrophy is when the damaged neurons are located throughout the entirety of the brain, which means that the brain gradually “shrinks” over time.
Although a number of senior citizens will eventually lose some of their cognitive abilities, there are ways to fight back. Keep reading to learn more about the atrophy of the brain, and Alzheimer’s care in Arizona.
Learn about memory care services at Haven Health.
Is Brain Atrophy a Normal Part of Aging?
To an extent, brain atrophy is a normal part of aging. As we age, we lose brain cells, which can minimize brain tissue, and overall cognitive functioning. While cognitive functions generally decline as we age, a rapid decline in brain function and rapid loss of brain tissue is not a normal part of aging, and is rather an indication of a degenerative disease.
Who Is at Risk for Brain Atrophy?
There are many factors that can put you at risk for brain atrophy. Generally, however, it’s a combination of these factors that result in brain atrophy. Typically, individuals who are at risk for brain loss include individuals with a family history of neurological diseases, and those who’ve experienced a head injury.
What Causes Atrophy of the Brain?
Brain atrophy can be caused by neurological diseases, brain injuries, or certain infectious diseases, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Some of the conditions that can cause brain atrophy are:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Cerebral palsy
- Huntington’s disease
- Leukodystrophies
- Encephalitis
- AIDS or HIV
- Stroke
- Traumatic brain injuries
What Are the Symptoms of Brain Atrophy?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, brain atrophy can range in severity from mild brain atrophy that causes few symptoms (perhaps only mere memory loss), to severe brain atrophy that causes a number of neurological symptoms and in extreme cases, death.
Brain atrophy symptoms will differ from patient to patient as the symptoms depend on the part of the brain that is affected. The possible brain atrophy symptoms are:
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Struggling with communication
- Seizures
- Becoming increasingly uncoordinated
- Weakness in parts of the body
- Paralysis
- Changes in sensations, such as numbness, tingling, etc.
- Blurry eyesight
- Double vision
- Aphasia (trouble with speaking and understanding speech/language)
Does Brain Atrophy Result in Dementia?
Brain atrophy is common among individuals diagnosed with dementia. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that brain atrophy will result in dementia. The same applies to related diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. On the other hand, dementia can cause extreme brain atrophy due to the generally degenerative nature of the disease.
It’s important to recognize that brain atrophy is a natural result of aging, and as we age, we develop some degree of brain atrophy. Elevated levels of brain atrophy are what contribute to dementia and related diseases. Dementia, on the other hand, is a degenerative condition where a variety of diseases may be at play, contributing to the loss of neurons, and the connections between them.
Brain Atrophy Testing and Diagnosis
There are a number of cognitive assessments, brain imaging tools, and neurological exams that are used in tandem to determine the level of brain atrophy that has taken place. Brain atrophy can show up on MRIs and CT scans, which can also determine the level of brain shrinkage that has occurred in an individual.
Treatment Options for Brain Atrophy
Brain atrophy itself does not have a singular treatment because it is an indication of one or more underlying diseases at play. Instead, when you work with a healthcare provider, they’ll provide you with a treatment plan to help manage the conditions contributing to your brain atrophy.
Your management plan might include a combination of therapies, such as medication, physical and occupational therapy, counseling, and even surgery in some cases.
Outlook for Brain Atrophy
The outlook for brain atrophy varies and largely depends on the underlying disease causing it. It’s important to recognize, however, that brain atrophy is generally permanent. While you cannot reverse brain tissue shrinkage and loss, you can mitigate the symptoms that worsen your overall health and wellness. By appropriately managing symptoms, you may be able to slow down the disease’s progression.
Can Brain Atrophy Be Reversed?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is no. According to the Cleveland Clinic, once the damage has been done, atrophy of the brain cannot be reversed. However, there are things you can do to manage symptoms, and prevent or delay further brain atrophy.
What Treatments Are Available for Brain Atrophy?
The Cleveland Clinic notes that treatment for brain atrophy will vary greatly depending on the condition. For example, there are medications that delay brain atrophy in many neurological diseases. Once the damage has already been done, physical therapy and speech therapy can be beneficial as well. In rare cases, surgery may be recommended.
Preventing Brain Atrophy
While genetics does play a role in many of the causes of brain atrophy, there are many things that can be done to stave off certain conditions, or to delay further damage once the condition is present. Some loss of brain cells is normal during the aging process. However, “brain atrophy” is a term used when the damage is exceeding what is normally expected with aging. The following may reduce some of the risk factors of brain atrophy, and improve quality of life:
- Follow a healthy diet, low in cholesterol and high in nutrients (consider the Mediterranean diet)
- Exercise daily (especially aerobic exercise)
- Get plenty of rest
- Manage your blood pressure and stress levels
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Stop smoking
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations for medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
Exercises To Help Combat Brain Atrophy
Once you’ve incorporated the healthy lifestyle choices above, there are fun ways to “exercise” the brain as well. According to one Mayo Clinic article, keeping your brain engaged in various ways may also provide brain-boosting benefits. The article recommends the following strategies to achieve this:
Challenge Your Mind
Instead of watching so much TV, enjoy activities that stimulate the mind more, such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, reading, or card games. Be sure to increase the difficulty to give your brain a challenge.
Socialize
Socializing not only has the potential to lower instances of depression and stress, but studies also suggest that isolation is linked to brain atrophy. This demonstrates that the opposite (being socially active) could have a positive effect.
Related: Innovations in Alzheimer’s Care in Nursing Facilities.
Maintain a Healthy Mind
Some people are bound to lose some nerve cells as they age, and many may experience mild cognitive decline. However, this is no reason to give into brain atrophy, or to not take preventative measures against it. By making some necessary lifestyle changes, you can delay the symptoms of brain atrophy and improve your quality of life. Keeping yourself healthy and happy for as long as possible is worth the effort.
If you or a loved one has been experiencing symptoms related to brain atrophy, such as dementia, mixed dementia, or increased memory loss, learn how the services at Haven Health can help.
Contact Haven Health To Learn How We Can Help
If you have a loved one struggling with underlying diseases that are contributing to brain atrophy, the care team at Haven Health can help. Our medical staff and care team will provide your family with evidence-based treatment rooted in compassionate, dignified care.
Get in touch with our admissions team to learn more about our memory care services, programs, and available treatments that can help improve your loved one’s quality of life.