Age-related changes in the brain and factors affecting them

From birth and throughout life, the brain undergoes changes some of which are a natural continuation of intrauterine development or the result of neuroplastic changes in adulthood, while others may be the result of neurodegenerative processes caused by various factors, including aging. Although brain aging, and consequent cognitive decline, is a natural process, there is great intra-individual variability. It is important to investigate the factors underlying these differences to determine which interventions can actually slow cognitive decline and age-related changes in the brain. For this purpose, the first part of current review is devoted to the consideration of age-related changes occurring in the brain structure, as well as the main theories of cognitive aging: the theory of reserve, the theory of the frontal lobes aging, the theory of inhibitory influences deficiency, compensatory theories and the theory of sensory deprivation. The second part of the review focuses on factors that can affect brain health, such as lifestyle, physical activity, nutrition, and others.