Brain Fitness
Brain Fitness Declines Can Be Reversed, Research Shows
A Little Spice In Life Can Boost Your Brain Fitness And Protect Your Brain Down The Road!
"Can we reverse mental declines? Well, for most of us, the answer is yes, and I think that is definitely exciting and encouraging news," says Dr. Dennis Foth, a University of Alberta director. A research review by Foth and Dr. Gordon Thompson of the University of Saskatchewan found normal, age related declines in brain fitness don’t affect the entire population headed into their senior years. Instead, results indicate it only happens to about ten percent of the population.
Researchers highlight the importance of getting and staying in prime cognitive conditioning through a healthy brain fitness lifestyle. As Dr. Foth says, "A lifetime of good mental habits pays off…people who are curious at a young age are more likely to be mentally active and stay active as they age. And we found it is never too late to start. With a little effort, even people in their 70s and 80s can see dramatic improvements in their cognitive skills."
The types of brain fitness activities necessary for maintaining cognitive health need to be those that challenge the brain to learn and adapt to new situations and circumstances rather than repeat the same familiar routines. Dr. Lawrence Katz of Duke University Medical Center recommends mental approaches that are novel, unique, and that take you out of your comfort zone. Dr. Katz points to lots of research showing these techniques, when employed consistently over time, cause the release in the brain of several types of proteins that strengthen connections among brain cells, even creating new brain cells in the process. The result is added brain power for use.
One example of a popular brain fitness technique to that end would be brushing your teeth with your left hand if you happen to be right-handed; or, if left-handed, with your right. Learning to write with your off hand is a method to consider. Learning Braille, perhaps. Another would be to read a book aloud, backwards, at a rapid but clear pace while trying to comprehend what you are reading. The idea is to take normal, mundane activities and put a new twist on them so that it kicks your brain into high gear as it adjusts and adapts to the change.
Studies indicate that a consistent brain fitness lifestyle not only erases signs of cognitive neglect, but can build a neurological storehouse – a cognitive reserve – that might serve as protection against any further mental declines as you advance in age.
Brain Fitness News
Brain Fitness Article
Brain Fitness Techniques
"Can we reverse mental declines? Well, for most of us, the answer is yes, and I think that is definitely exciting and encouraging news," says Dr. Dennis Foth, a University of Alberta director. A research review by Foth and Dr. Gordon Thompson of the University of Saskatchewan found normal, age related declines in brain fitness don’t affect the entire population headed into their senior years. Instead, results indicate it only happens to about ten percent of the population.
Researchers highlight the importance of getting and staying in prime cognitive conditioning through a healthy brain fitness lifestyle. As Dr. Foth says, "A lifetime of good mental habits pays off…people who are curious at a young age are more likely to be mentally active and stay active as they age. And we found it is never too late to start. With a little effort, even people in their 70s and 80s can see dramatic improvements in their cognitive skills."
The types of brain fitness activities necessary for maintaining cognitive health need to be those that challenge the brain to learn and adapt to new situations and circumstances rather than repeat the same familiar routines. Dr. Lawrence Katz of Duke University Medical Center recommends mental approaches that are novel, unique, and that take you out of your comfort zone. Dr. Katz points to lots of research showing these techniques, when employed consistently over time, cause the release in the brain of several types of proteins that strengthen connections among brain cells, even creating new brain cells in the process. The result is added brain power for use.
One example of a popular brain fitness technique to that end would be brushing your teeth with your left hand if you happen to be right-handed; or, if left-handed, with your right. Learning to write with your off hand is a method to consider. Learning Braille, perhaps. Another would be to read a book aloud, backwards, at a rapid but clear pace while trying to comprehend what you are reading. The idea is to take normal, mundane activities and put a new twist on them so that it kicks your brain into high gear as it adjusts and adapts to the change.
Studies indicate that a consistent brain fitness lifestyle not only erases signs of cognitive neglect, but can build a neurological storehouse – a cognitive reserve – that might serve as protection against any further mental declines as you advance in age.
Brain Fitness News
Brain Fitness Article
Brain Fitness Techniques
