Why Some Minds Stay Sharp at 92 While Dementia Is Rising Everywhere

My Mother Is 92. She Still Corrects Me.

Last week, my mother and I disagreed about a news item.

At 92 years of age, she had read the newspaper correctly. And I had not. She was right as usual.

A few days later, my Amma reminded me about another article. Then a book she had been reading. Then a conversation she had with someone.

And once again I found myself thinking...

How is her memory still this good?

At ninety-two, she reads newspapers every day, magazines, religious books too.

She follows current affairs, remembers names, events, and enjoys conversations.

She has strong opinions. And occasionally enjoys proving me wrong.

Which brings me to a question that has been bothering me.

People are living longer than ever before...but....

Why are neurodegenerative disorders rising everywhere?

Alzheimer's disease, dementia, cognitive decline, memory problems and Parkinson's disease are all on up swing.

Why?

Most people think memory loss is a normal part of ageing.

I disagree....

Ageing may increase the risk. But decline is not always inevitable.

Because I've seen another possibility. A example of my Amma, seen lively at the dining table.

My mother is not unusual because she possesses some magical gene. At least not that I know of.

But she does possess something many people are slowly losing...

She uses her brain every day.

Think about what happens to many adults.

School ends, learning slows, reading declines, and curiosity fades. Conversations become repetitive.

Television replaces thinking, and scrolling replaces reflection.

The brain becomes comfortable. And comfort is wonderful for sofas. Not always for neurons...

The brain is like a garden.

Leave it unattended for years and weeds appear.

Challenge it, nurture it, use it and something remarkable happens...

It continues to grow, even in old age.

Of course, cognitive health is more complicated than just reading books.

Sleep matters, exercise matters, nutrition matters, social connection matters, stress matters and environmental exposures matter too.

But there is one factor that often gets ignored...Mental engagement.

The brain was designed to learn, solve, explore and to remain curious.

Curiosity is one of the most underrated Wellness habits on the planet and that makes the difference.

My mother still wants to know what's happening in the world. She still reads, questions, debates, and still learns.

That matters more than we realise.

Today many people are worried about memory supplements, brain tonics, nootropics, and miracle pills.

Yet they haven't read a book in months.

That should make us pause, right?

Because the question isn't...

"How do I prevent memory loss?"

The better question is...

"Am I giving my brain a reason to stay alive?"

The deeper lesson isn't about dementia, ageing, or even memory....

It's about engagement.

A brain that remains interested in life may age differently from a brain that has quietly withdrawn from it.

My mother taught me that. Not through advice. But through example...

And the most powerful anti-ageing strategy isn't hidden in a bottle. It is hidden in curiosity.

So read, learn, question, and discuss.

Stay interested. Stay engaged. Stay alive.

Because ninety-two-year-old minds still have things to teach us.