Center for Longevity of the Brain news
News | Events
Keeping Fit Includes Exercise for the Brain
To most people, exercise means working out to keep their bodies physically fit and healthy. But the brain - so important to living a full life — also needs an ongoing exercise regimen to stay agile and alert as we grow older.
Scientists used to believe that we were basically stuck with the brain we were born with - and that we naturally lost cognitive function as we aged. This old thinking allowed people to accept memory loss as inevitable and believe that nothing much could be done about it.
New brain research - conducted over the past few years - has shown that the brain constantly renews itself, providing hope for those with cognitive decline. And, we now know that the brain can learn as much in the second half of life as it did when we were younger. However, this learning may require more repetition and it may just take a little longer. The key is to give the brain a workout so that it will create new cells and neural pathway connections, thereby creating a higher level of brain functionality.
What can you do in your daily life to challenge your brain? Activities that stimulate thought and cause you to retain information as well as problem-solve are excellent activities. It could be as simple as daily hobbies like crossword puzzles, card games, reading, Sudoku number puzzles or art projects, such as painting. Planning a trip or learning about a new culture will both require the brain to process new information.
Even more challenging for the brain would be mastering a foreign language or learning to play a musical instrument - activities that will enrich a person’s life and help keep the memory sharp.
Be sure to get regular medical check-ups and follow your doctor’s advice. Make sure that together you review all of the medications and supplements you are taking to avoid any drug interactions. If you have any memory concerns, don’t delay, see a doctor immediately.
The brain will also benefit greatly by certain lifestyle changes that can make a tremendous impact. Constant stress, for example, can be a serious “brain drain” as can many underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease or a chronic illness. A prolonged lack of quality sleep will have an adverse affect on brain function.
Smoking isn’t good for the brain - or for any part of the body. Also avoid drinking to excess and overeating. In fact, a poor diet is as bad for your brain as it is your waistline. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet.
Your brain and your general outlook will benefit from positive social interactions. To avoid depression and isolation, it’s recommended that people have at least five meaningful social interactions a day.
Finally, get moving. A brisk walk, an exercise class or a trip to the gym is essential for the brain as well as the body. Aerobic exercise increases the blood flow to the brain and will activate the repair formation and growth of brain cells. Regular exercise is one of the best activities for helping to maintain and improve brain function.
So, the next time you think of a workout, remember to include the brain. The goal with a workout is to keep people physically healthy and mentally alert for as long as possible for a high quality life.