Pump Up Your Brain!

Brain Power
from Jeffrey Johnson

For most of my 59 years in this world, it was acknowledged that as we aged, so did our brain: it became slower, could not remember as well as it once did, and that after our twenties, we would begin losing brain cells that could never be replaced. Aging was not something to look forward to. However, in recent years scientists and doctors have discovered that, indeed, it is possible to rewire the brain – to build new neural connections that not only can stop the loss of brain function, but actually improve the brains ability to perform as it was designed to function. Although this is great news, we do need to keep in mind that the brain is part of our entire body processing unit, and as such, we need to also focus on the rest of our body to allow the brain to keep its’ incredibly high level of functioning intact. Below you will find a list of activities that will help to maintain and promote brain function, which may significantly aid our elderly is reducing instances of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and slow the aging process.

The following is excerpted from eMedExpert.com (the author is not identified), and article entitled, 14 Research-Proven Ways To Boost Brain Power:

1. Physical activity. Healthy body, healthy mind. Exercise can help stimulate the formation of new brain cells.

2. Lifelong learning. There is clear evidence that education and learning are positive for the brain. In other words, “if you continue to challenge yourself, your brain will continue to grow.” Examples of activities that an elder person might be interested in are: playing a musical instrument, starting a new career, starting a new hobby, learning a foreign language, learning to cook better, or becoming more informed about the world.

3. Mental stimulation. “The more we think, the better our brains function.” Some stimulating activities might include: travel, visiting museums, reading more, playing thinking games, playing a musical instrument, developing a craft skill, or volunteering.

4. Social interaction. Having friends, neighbors, and family that are part of your social circle can be stimulating and challenging, thus keeping the brain sharp.

5. Sleep and nap. During our sleep time, “the hippocampus becomes highly active and moves knowledge from short-term memory to long-term memory.” Thus, the activity during sleep helps to process the information we have taken in during the day, and without the proper amount and nature of sleep, we may not develop a strong memory.

6. Stress management. “Severe stress lasting weeks or months can impair cell communication in the brain’s learning and memory region.” Ways to reduce/manage stress are: see problems as opportunities, exercise, learn relaxation techniques, cut down on unnecessary responsibilities, make time for leisure, or get a massage.

7. Laugh and humor. We all know that laughing can reduce stress, and as mentioned above, reducing or managing stress is important in boosting brain power.

8. Healthy breakfast. Having a solid, healthy morning meal allows our bodies to function at their peak, for example: learning ability improves, concentration improves, and mood and memory are better.

9. Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are instrumental in the development and maintenance of a healthy brain. “Coldwater fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids (just be careful to eat this in moderation due to potential contamination with mercury).”
10. Blueberries. Eating this tasty and low-glycemic fruit has been shown to slow brain degeneration.

11. Vegetables. Such vegetables as cauliflower, spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts contain high levels of vitamin E, and antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage.

12. Red wine. Ok, I realize we should not be advocating the consumption of alcohol, yet if you were to have a drink, red wine would be a good choice. The moderate consumption of red wine daily has been shown to lower the risk of dementia.

13. Keep health under control. Monitoring blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and homocysteine (an amino acid) can control the decline of cognitive functioning.

14. Neurobics. Changing your daily habits can exercise the brain in a different and very unique manner. For example: drive to work using a different route, get dressed with one eye closed, brush your teeth with the other hand, unlock your door with your eyes closed, use the opposite hand to dial your phone, listen to music and smell flowers at the same time, or shop at a new grocery store.

Clear thinking is a major concern of our seniors. Many people are bombarded with news reports of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s that can be very disturbing and unsettling. Becoming active in preventative activities that might reduce the risk of brain function should be a high priority for us all. So, practice some or all of the suggestions listed above and we might all have higher and longer lasting brain functions and stave off the affects of dementia and related illnesses.