Dr Norman Swan, author of the new book 'The Brain Cliff', suggests that people should consider cognitive change rather than cognitive decline as they age. He argues that comparing current cognitive function to that of a person in their 20s is not a valid comparison and can lead to an incorrect assumption of deficit, particularly in midlife (40s and 50s).
Instead, Dr Swan explains that brains change, and while fluid intelligence may peak in the 20s, crystallised intelligence, which involves wisdom and experience, can improve with age. He also discusses 'scaffolding', a phenomenon where the brain builds networks of nerves to protect and potentially enhance cognitive abilities over time.
To encourage this scaffolding, Dr Swan recommends several strategies. These include exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fermented foods, and berries, and managing stress by problem-solving rather than ruminating. He also suggests that mind wandering and 'mental time travel' may encourage brain scaffolding. Dr Swan also states that retirement, particularly to inactivity, can accelerate cognitive decline, and that continued engagement through work, volunteering, or learning new skills is beneficial.