What happens to the nervous system as we age?
Aging is a natural process that affects the entire body, including the nervous system. The nervous system is the body's communication center and controls movement, balance, memory, and organ function, among other things. With age, gradual changes occur in the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
1.Aging in the brain
The brain undergoes both structural and functional changes. Among the most important are reduced brain volume, especially in areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, which are important for memory and decision-making. Slower signal transmission between nerve cells and reduced neuroplasticity affect the brain's ability to form new connections. This does not mean that the brain stops working, but that it often needs more stimulation than when you were younger to maintain good function.
2.Changes in nerves and spinal cord
Aging also affects the spinal cord and peripheral nerves in the arms and legs. This can lead to reduced nerve conduction velocity and weaker signal transmission between the nerve and the muscle. The result can be slower reflexes, poorer balance and coordination, and an increased risk of falls. At the same time, wear and tear changes often occur in the spine, which can affect both mobility and nerve function.
3. Proprioception – the body’s “internal GPS”
Proprioception is the body's ability to know where its joints and muscles are. This information comes from receptors in the muscles, ligaments and joints, especially in the spine. With age, this information can become less precise, which can lead to poorer balance, increased uncertainty in movements and thus a greater risk of falls.
The brain needs constant stimulation
The brain relies on regular stimulation to maintain strong neural connections, especially as we age, when it becomes more difficult to maintain these connections. Less physical activity and less varied movement can lead to reduced stimulation of important brain areas. This can affect balance, reaction time, coordination and cognitive function.
So.. what can I do?
Although we cannot stop aging, which is a natural part of life, we can influence how our nervous system works over time. The brain is malleable throughout life. This means that it can adapt, learn and change, which we call neuroplasticity. In functional neurology, the brain is seen as a living and dynamic system that is constantly influenced by what we do, what we sense and what we experience. It is therefore not just about alleviating symptoms, but about supporting and strengthening how the brain actually works. With the right stimulation, movement and activity, we can help the nervous system stay stronger and more robust, even as we age.
How to promote optimal function?
- Varied movement: Exercise that challenges balance, coordination and responsiveness stimulates the cerebellum, basal ganglia and motor areas of the brain.
- Vestibular stimulation (inner ear): Activities that challenge balance (e.g., hiking, yoga, or rotational movements) support the interaction between balance, vision, and body sensation.
- Sensory stimulation: Exercises that involve precision, fine motor skills, and variety in movements provide important input to the brain.
- Cognitive activity: Learning new skills, languages, or playing an instrument strengthens the brain.
- Regular chiropractic treatment: stimulates the brain to increase joint sensation, improve motor control and increase maximum muscle strength.
- Sleep: Good sleep is essential for brain recovery, waste clearance, memory, and repair of neural networks.
The brain responds to repeated stimulation over time. This means that daily habits such as movement, mental activity and variety are crucial to how the nervous system ages. Although aging is inevitable, there is increasing research showing that brain function can be influenced and strengthened well into old age. Functional neurology focuses on optimizing the interaction between the body and the brain through targeted stimulation of sensory and motor systems. By keeping the body moving, challenging balance and coordination, stimulating the senses and maintaining mental activity, we can help slow down functional aging of the nervous system and maintain a good quality of life throughout life!
