New brain research reverses thinking on ageing brains

A new brain research paper released today by the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute reverses thinking about which part of the human brain deteriorates faster as we get older.

The paper, to be published internationally later this month, comes at the start of the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute’s annual "use it or lose it" awareness campaign, Bridge for Brain Research Challenge, involving more than 2,650 Bridge players across Australia.

The research – led by NHMRC Fellow, Dr. Olivier Piguet – reveals the ageing process is far greater in the white matter of the brain, not the grey matter, and clearly shows that there is a need for greater emphasis on maintaining an active brain in old age.

The research found a 32 per cent loss in white matter volume (connecting fibres that transmit information) but only a 5 per cent loss in grey matter volume (outer layer, where neurons reside and are the source of information in the brain) between the ages of 46 and 92 years.

"The loss of grey matter due to ageing is much smaller than previously reported and healthy brain ageing is a process affecting predominantly the white matter of the brain," Dr Piguet said.

"These findings indicate that the source of ‘brain power’ is present throughout life in healthy adults and that decline will tend to happen because of lost connections in the brain."

These findings underline the importance of using our brain capacity throughout life in order to maintain and create new connections.

Chief Executive Officer of the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, Prof. Peter Schofield, said the research was important as it reversed current thinking about the ageing process.

"Finding that nerve connections are vulnerable during ageing is an important outcome as it further supports the need for older Australians to use it or lose it," Dr Schofield said.

"It re-emphasises the need for people to remain mentally and physically active – whether it’s playing a musical instrument, Bridge, chess, reading.

"The ‘use it or lose it’ message is right. Try different activities that interest you and stay physically active as long as you can."

More than 57,000 Australians will be diagnosed with some form of dementia over the next 12 months – more than 1,000 a week. The annual community cost of managing dementia is estimated at $6.6 billion.

The national Bridge for Brain Research Challenge involves 77 Bridge clubs across Australia and is one of the Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute’s major fund raisers for research in to brain disorders. 

The NSW Bridge Association’s matches played today include centenarian Bridge player, Marion Rice.

(Source: Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute: May 2009.)