By Jeff Robertson

The human brain is the largest muscle our bodies. As we age, maintaining a healthy body involves many things, including exercise and stretching. Your mind is no different. Scientists have been studying the brain for many years, but recent studies are reinforcing the importance of “calisthenics for the mind.”

The old belief was that brains have a finite number of cells, with fixed pathways and that you can’t grow your brain at a cellular level. This led scientists to emphasize potential medical solutions for diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. The new paradigm, which is well supported by research, is that we can have an impact on the likelihood of getting these diseases by how we use our brain today. Research now strongly suggests that regular intellectually stimulating activity can slow cognitive decline and reduce the likelihood of dementia and/or Alzheimer’s Disease. Cognitive activity may well be protective. We are building and strengthening neural pathways so they are less susceptible to disease.

Research Highlights:

According to the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association:

• A one-point increase in the cognitive-activity score, which corresponds to participation in an activity once per week, was associated with a:
• 33% reduction in the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
• 7% percent reduction in the risk of dementia.
• 47% reduction in the decline of global cognition
• 60% reduction in the decline of working memory
• 30% reduction in the decline of perceptual speed
• A person whose cognitive activity was in the top 10% of the sample group, had a 47% lower likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s.

How do I design a brain exercise program?

The key element is newness. That which is new, stretches your brain. Recommended activities include:

• Attending lectures
• Doing crossword puzzles
• Participating in discussion groups
• Reading the newspaper
• Playing a musical instrument

Find something you enjoy that is mentally challenging or a bit difficult and make it a regular part of your life. Your brain will thank you for it.

Jeffrey Robertson is the President of Active Minds for Seniors™, a Denver based provider of educational programs for seniors. He can be reached at 303-320-7652 or on the web at www.ActiveMindsForSeniors.com.