As we grow older physically, so does our brain, as to why factors such as our reflexes or the ability to retain memory gradually slow down.
It’s a natural phenomenon; everyone gets to that point eventually, but do you know that a new study looks into poverty as a key factor in speeding up brain aging?
Our brains contain white matter, which declines with age. Scientists have recently studied how living in poverty aids in the decline of this white matter. White matter is important as it assists the brain in moving messages and signals around the said vital organ. The levels of white matter can significantly alter how the brain functions over time.
Researchers from the University of Lausanne and the University of Geneva in Switzerland have observed and analyzed 751 participants aged 50 to 91. Other factors in their observation other than age range include sex and health concerns.
The researchers saw that participants with lower incomes showed signs of faster white matter decline during their MRI scanning procedure and garnered lower cognitive test scores than those with stable to higher incomes.
According to the team, this experiment connected socioeconomic exposures, such as household income, with brain microstructure and cognitive performance in middle to late adulthood. This study shows how exposure to what the scientists call “chronic socioeconomic advantage” has been associated with poor health and rapid cognitive decline.
But what happens inside the brain, exactly?
With poverty as one factor in faster cognitive decline, scientists saw that the number of fibers coming from each neuron and the protective coating of these fibers—called myelination—contribute to the speedy decline of white matter.
Although there have been past studies of the brain in connection with socioeconomic factors, there are now specific circumstances—such as a person living in poverty—that allow for further investigation of our mental well-being and our situation.
Additionally, this recent study observed how readily molecules—mainly water—move through the brain, showing that their movement depends on the amount of myelin and the density of neuron branches. Scientists deem this an important brain activity to focus on.
On the other hand, wealthier people showed a lesser decline in white matter and alterations in the brain, leading to rapid brain aging. It seems that having a stable income—a stable future, in general—provides a lag for faster (brain) aging.
There are still more aspects to the connection between the brain and external factors that may affect its function. This is just one of the latest findings on the financial status of people and their cognitive conditions.
In addition, this also allows more researchers to observe brain activity and activities we go through as we live.
What do you think of this recent study? Do you agree brain aging has something to do with a person’s wealth? Let us know your thoughts.