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:
- 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.
New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of
the American Medical Association: