Science

Brain Health

Most people think staying fit is just for their bodies. However, it is critical that we keep our brains working in top form. After all, it is our most important asset. Scientists now know more about the brain and the many things we can do to keep it healthy. Research is showing that we can reduce our risk of mental decline and debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer's. With aging comes change, usually associated with loss of ability or function. The great news is that just like our bodies, if we stretch and exercise our brain, we can keep it fit. Lifestyle is a key factor in determining brain health.

Lifestyle areas important to brain health:

  • Brain Fitness
  • Physical Activity
  • Social Interaction
  • Healthy Diet

The 5 Key Brain Functions

Brain or cognitive functions are the skills that enable us to do everyday tasks. They are:

Studies now enable us to better understand each of these areas. It is clear that there are individual differences - some people are stronger in certain areas and weaker in others. The key point is we need to work on all functions to make sure all brain 'muscles' are being stimulated.


Brain Fitness Science

Research has found that keeping the brain active helps build brain or cognitive reserves. This is the brain's ability to create new neural pathways and connections that can be used as a sort of 'brain savings account', allowing you to draw on the account at a later date. Studies support that many people continue to operate at a high level throughout their lives by building these brain reserves.

The human brain starts slowing down as early as age 25. Fortunately, you can keep it running at peak performance and even make improvements at any age. Just like your body, you can "use it or lose it". Scientists all over the world are starting to agree that stimulating the brain can improve brain power. Numerous studies show that activities such as interactive games can help maintain key cognitive functions.

Studies:

  • In 2006, the ACTIVE Study, funded by National Institute of Health, demonstrated that older adults could improve their brain abilities with the correct training. Certain mental exercises can partially offset the expected decline in older adults' thinking skills and show promise for maintaining cognitive abilities needed to do everyday tasks. Some of the gains from training were seen to be beneficial 5 years later.

  • The Bronx Aging Study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, followed almost 500 people for more than 20 years. The research found that people who participated in mentally stimulating activities, such as interactive games and other leisure activities multiple times a week had a 65-75% better probability of remaining sharp than those who did not participate in these activities.

  • Another well-known study is the Nun Study. Scientists followed 700 nuns for more than 20 years. An interesting finding was that certain types of intellectual activity and stimulation could protect against many types of cognitive decline.

  • A study from Columbia University supports the concept of brain reserve and that education, occupation and stimulating leisure activities all reduce the potential risk of developing brain disease.

A balanced approach:

An important factor in a brain fitness program is a balanced approached. For optimal health, all 5 areas of brain function need exercise. In addition, these exercise activities need to provide:

  • Diversity: The brain is looking for new and unique activities to provide continued stimulation.
  • Complexity: Moving from one level of complexity to the next keeps the brain challenged and interested.
  • Variety: To gain full benefit, it is important to engage in a full and varied work-out.