Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Grey matter is a key component of the brains neural tissue.
The cell bodies for most cognitive and emotional functions reside in the grey matter.
Grey matter is essential for all aspects of human behavior, Dr Tarulli notes.
Verywell / Zoe Hansen
Grey Matter vs. White Matter
Ourcentral nervous systemis composed of a combination of white and grey matter.
Grey matter is found in the outer layer of the brain and is greyish in color.
The white matter represents the highways and local roads that connect the towns.
All of these things have to work smoothly in order for your brain to function at its best capacity.
What Does Grey Matter in the Brain Do?
Grey matter plays a significant role when it comes to how our mind and body function.
It allows people to control their motor movements and it allows us to receive sensory signals from our environment.
Grey matter also plays important cognitive and mental health roles.
Grey matter also contributes to our cognitive processing, including memory, decision-making, language, and attention.
Emotional Regulation
Grey matter also plays a significant role in how we regulate our emotions.
Decreased grey matter volume was associated with the ability to process emotions in a healthy way.
Injuries to grey matter can produce mental health disorders, Dr. Tarulli remarked.
Brain Disorders and Grey Matter
Several neurological and psychiatric conditions are linked to grey matter abnormalities.
Factors Affecting Grey Matter
There are a handful of factors that affect our grey matter.
Some of these factors are in our control and somesuch as agingarent.
Lets take a look at the bang out of factors that can cause changes to our grey matter.
What Causes Loss Of Grey Matter?
Its a difficult fact, but most adults experience some level ofcognitive declineas they age.
This may include changes in attention span, working memory, and cognitive processing speed.
Not everyone experiences a cognitive decline in the same areas and to the same extent.
Controlling these factors can decrease the extent of your cognitive decline.
Dr. Hanlon says that making certain lifestyle choices can protect the grey matter in your brain.
However, there are ways to protect your grey matter and to lead a more brain-friendly lifestyle.
First and foremost, you want to protect your cardiovascular health.
Examples include adopting a heart-healthy diet, stopping smoking, and controlling blood pressure.
In addition, says Dr. Tarulli, its important to stay physically, socially, and intellectually active.
These are all important interventions that can protect grey matter health.
Finally, research has found a link between excessive stress and grey matter alteration.
Many older individuals check that to engage in these types of activities to keep their brain sharp.
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