Deterioration of intellectual capacities as we age

[Ester Maria]

Pier Forni, a professor of Italian Studies at Johns Hopkins, has a new book out entitled The Thinking Life. Forni, who established a civility project at JHU, spoke to Diane Rehm today (link to find a download of the 50 minute conversation). He notes that the constant distractions and entertainment focus of modern life prevents many from doing basic thinking which in turn leads to poor decision making. Along these lines, he said that many today are "under the spell of the inconsequential".

 

The argument could be made that it is not just age which affects our thinking process but the nature of the culture itself these days. Food for thought?

Thank you, I am definitely going to listen to this - I started now.

 

ETA: This is so endearing, I am smiling all the time. There is no nicer English for my ears than Italian-intonation English, LOL - our intonation just adds such liveliness to the language. :)

Edited December 20, 2011 by Ester Maria

[Tabrett]

I'm 40 and feel sharper than I ever have. My grandmother is 85 and in good mental condition. The things I notice that causes her problems with cognitive ability are vision, hearing and physical degeneration. Her brain is sharp, but she doesn't hear or see things correctly because of loss that comes with age. Her arthritis causes her to have to rest more and do less.

I think if she had perfect vision and hearing and did not have arthritis, she would be on top of things as well as me.

 

I'm not sure the problems she has can be prevented. They are natural occurrences with old age. She ate junk all her life and lots of sugar, but was always in a healthy weight range.:confused: She didn't exercise. Her brain is sharp, but her body is aged.

 

The only thing I can think of that could cause her to be so healthy, mentally, is she is a very spiritual person. She reads the Bible, prays, reads Christian books and listens to sermons all.the.time.

[Bang!Zoom!]

Well I listened to the show, and have decided when my brain "blanks" out that this is just a gentle reminder to have a date with my brain and say a prayer...

 

Ever had a fish tank and for whatever reason the fish all float to the top to gulp air?

 

Well, that's what my brain must be doing. Gulping. Air.

 

Peace Air.

 

I also liked the idea of an internet sabbath....I've read lots on this idea which also appears as "digital detox" in readings.

 

The one argument I have against a purist take on it is the learning that happens during collaboration.

 

I think collaboration is a good thing.

[SKL]

If I don't admit it, is isn't happening. That's how I cope with it. :D

 

But seriously, I started noticing just after I turned 30 that I was a little less sharp than before. This scared me. I heard that vitamin E would help, so I started taking it every day, LOL.

 

Since then, I have also heard good things about fish oil and coffee, both of which I use every day. Also being socially involved.

 

I still don't remember things I used to remember. But, now I'm a parent, and I absolutely believe in "mommy brain." That part of my mental deterioration seems to be improving.

 

Other coping mechanisms include simplifying my life and getting more organized. And asking my kids to remind me of important things! :lol:

[Ester Maria]

I also liked the idea of an internet sabbath....I've read lots on this idea which also appears as "digital detox" in readings.

Funny you should mention it, I think it is such an interesting idea as well, but I have some practical experience with it too, with how a digital detox works.

Some years ago, in one of our more observant phases as a family, when we actually kept shabat regularly rather than sporadically / half-heartedly as now, and it of course included no electronics, that felt so. good. It was awesome, on so many levels, but a particularly good "side effect" of shabat was exactly this - a break from technology and just... mental peace and what felt like a complete mental recharging on a weekly basis.

 

Even now when I force myself to do it every once in a while, I love the experience. Which is ironic, because, if I like it so much, why do I not do it regularly? DH thinks it would be very healthy for everybody, and especially for kids who are quite technology-bound in this society. I think a complete day off technology is a very good idea, but alas, we are quite bad at it in practice.

[Bang!Zoom!]

Huh, how ironic.

 

Dr. office just called and said my levels are good, fine..no problem there. They recommend I go buy some OTC black cohosh and something called estroven.

 

So fine, I'll do that, but I'm going to go all gonzo on a fast also, I know absolutely positively beyond a shadow of a doubt that works wonders. I had a run in with a infection about a year ago and out of sheer desperation went three months on nothing but fruits, vegetables and supplements.

 

So even though I'm kinda shocked at my levels being fine, I'm NOT fine with living my life with swiss cheese memory problems. Um, nope. I'm the caretaker around here, I come first.

 

I can't care for others if I'm not on my A game.

[Jane in NC]

Thank you, I am definitely going to listen to this - I started now.

 

ETA: This is so endearing, I am smiling all the time. There is no nicer English for my ears than Italian-intonation English, LOL - our intonation just adds such liveliness to the language. :)

 

His intonation is very musical to my ears. I had a feeling you might enjoy the professor both for what he says but also for how he says it. ;)

[Ester Maria]

His intonation is very musical to my ears. I had a feeling you might enjoy the professor both for what he says but also for how he says it. ;)

You were right. :001_wub: Thank you.

[beaners]

 

Ever had a fish tank and for whatever reason the fish all float to the top to gulp air?

 

I could tell you all about what that says about the tank's chemistry, but I have a feeling that isn't what you're looking for. ;)

[Liza Lee]

I studied this during my first practicum as a therapist (I was a therapist in a nursing home/rehabilitation center).

 

The number one determinate of cognitive ability is long term, consistent, exercise. Nutrition, lack of obesity, and especially healthy dietary fat are also determinants.

 

What is recommended for the people who have dementia somewhere on the continuum is:

 

• Games with manipulatives, such as cards
  
• Mental exercises such as conundrums
  
• Word games, such as crosswords or puzzles
  
• As with children, involving as much sensory input as possible.
  

 

 

That's fascinating to me. My parents are 75 & 80 and I have not noticed much loss of mental capacity in them at all. Maybe a tiny bit with Mom.

 

Dad has exercised regularly for as long as I can remember. Mom not as much. Dad has maintained a healthy weight his entire life, but Mom is a bit overweight and tends to yo-yo. Dad's family was very poor when he was growing up and he was probably malnourished as a child, but they have both eaten a healthy diet for my entire lifetime. (I'm 51)

 

Dad bought a couple of math textbooks several years ago, I think one was Calculus I and the other was Trig, and he does a problem or two on a regular basis to keep his mind sharp. He does Sudoku puzzles regularly. After he retired, he learned knife making and continues to make and sell knives. Mom is more artsy, but she has continued to learn new things and lead an active lifestyle. I hope I'm like my parents when I am old.

[lllll]

..

Edited December 24, 2012 by ksva

[Negin]

If anyone is interested, I can share some tips here. If not, ignore ;).

 

There are measures we can take now to protect our brain health, and it is never too early to start.

We all may forget where we parked the car, but to come out and not know whether you drove or took the bus, that’s different.

Forgetting where you put your glasses doesn’t mean you have Alzheimer’s, but not realizing that you wear glasses does!

• Do you ask the same question again and again?

• Do you put things in unusual places, like stashing frozen food in the fridge or the cupboard?

• Do you forget everyday things—like not brushing your teeth?

• Do you struggle to come up with the words you want to say?

If it’s worrying you and if other people are commenting on it, then it may be time to make some changes and possibly check with a doctor.

 

If you have Memory Lapses, ask yourself if others seem puzzled by your behavior. If not, it may be a reduced sensitivity to insulin. When insulin fails to shuttle an adequate supply to the brain, the result can be forgetfulness and cognitive impairment. On the other hand, studies show that the early stages of Alzheimer’s usually go undetected by sufferers – it’s friends and loved ones who notice the first signs. So if you’re frustrated by your own memory problems, chances are you’re fine.

 

A diminishment of memory and mental clarity does not have to be an inevitable consequence of aging. Nutritional supplementation, reducing the amount of aluminum you ingest, and exercise all can help improve healthy mental function.

 

The BBC convened a panel of independent experts, chaired by the Alzheimer's Society, which evaluated more than 70 research papers and articles to come up with a series of tips for reducing your risk.

It may sound young, but the age of 35, they suggest, is high time to start thinking about these recommendations. If more of us acted on these, thousands of cases of dementia could be prevented in the future.

 

RISK FACTORS

Women are more likely to develop mental decline — and not just because they outlive men. Recent studies suggest that estrogen contributes to this disease.

Cardiovascular disease

Concussion or brain injury

Diabetes

Environmental toxins

Gene mutations

High blood pressure

Infections

Mental or neurological problems

Thyroid dysfunction

Substance abuse

Major surgery

Being overweight or obese - especially with added weight around the hips

 

Fortunately, you can lessen these risk factors.

[Negin]

INFLAMMATION

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are both conditions linked to inflammation in the body. Your goal should be to have an anti-inflammatory diet.

 

Those who regularly consume Omega-3s lower their risk for developing dementia by 60 percent. These oils act as anti-inflammatories and improve blood flow to the body and brain.

EAT MORE

Walnuts

Chia Seeds

Fatty Fish like wild salmon, tuna, sardines are loaded with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid that boosts the brain’s Alzheimer’s defenses.

Those who eat the most fish and have the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acid DHA in their blood cut risk of dementia by up to 47%.

One of the best ways to prevent dementia is to eat more fish. According to a study of almost 15,000 people ages 65 and older in seven countries, those who consumed fish of any variety at least a few days a week were 19% less likely to have dementia than those who ate none at all.

 

Colorful fruits and veggies daily

Eat from each of the 5 color groups – red, orange, yellow, white, blue/purple, and green

Leafy greens

Cruciferous veggies – broccoli, cauliflower

Those who eat the most of these can lower their brain age by up to 2 years.

 

Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which is especially effective at preventing Alzheimer’s by up to 67%. Shoot for 15 mg a day, equal to 2 ounces of almonds.

 

Blackcurrants contain chemicals that prevent Alzheimer’s by protecting cells in the brain responsible for learning and memory

 

Rosemary improves memory. Try to get 1-2 teaspoons a day. Make a rosemary-infused simple syrup by mixing 1 cup water, ½ cup sugar (or better yet, a healthier alternative), and 2 sprigs rosemary. Bring to a boil so sugar dissolves, and let sit for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle over fruit salad. Use 1 cup syrup to 4 cups fruit.

 

Turmeric may reduce the buildup of beta-amyloid proteins in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. Most brain researchers and Alzheimer’s specialists believe that preventing or reducing beta amyloid plaque in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease is important. Beta amyloid plaque interferes with proper brain function and contributes to dementia.

Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory

Used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years, turmeric may help explain why India has one of the world’s lowest rates of mental decline.

India consumes the bulk of the turmeric produced in the world. They have one-third the rate of Alzheimer's than does the United States (which affects half of Americans over 85)

Turmeric needs to be mixed with black pepper and olive oil in order to be effective

All of us should regularly consume a soupspoon of turmeric every day, with a pinch of pepper and olive oil. You can use it in your cooking

In supplement form, take 4 grams of turmeric daily. Because powdered turmeric is a powerful blood-cleansing herb, don’t overdo it.

CAUTION: Some brands of turmeric powder and supplements have been found to be contaminated with heavy metals themselves. Make sure to obtain a high quality brand.

 

Grapeseed Oil – can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s

Use it in cooking

 

Blueberries contain compounds that make it easier for your brain to send signals to the pathways that control both short- and long-term memory.

 

Foods rich in Folic Acid – may help prevent Alzheimer’s and memory loss

Some women find that higher doses act as a natural estrogen replacement. Like B6, folic acid helps protect against homocysteine, a protein linked to heart disease and memory loss.

Folate can boost memory in as little as 5 weeks

Take 750 mg daily – that’s about 1 cup of cooked spinach and 1 cup of cooked lentils

 

Luteolin found in celery and green pepper reduces brain inflammation, a factor in Alzheimer’s and dementia

 

Apples – Snacking on apples can heighten on-the-spot recall of words, names, and facts. The fruit’s polyphenols reduce oxidative stress on the brain, thereby revving output of the memory-enhancing neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

 

Onions, Tea, and dark chocolate are also brain boosters

 

Red Cabbage – The phytochemicals in red cabbage blocks the brain neuron-destroying effect of amyloid protein deposits, the plaque that causes Alzheimer’s.

 

Dark-colored fruits – berries and grapes – are helpful

 

Foods rich in choline improve memory

Found in eggs, fish, collard greens, beans, liver, kidneys, fish, lentils, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, leafy greens, wheat germ, whole wheat bread, whole grain cereals

One large egg yolk has 27% of your daily choline need.

 

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) has been shown to help strengthen memory and cognitive function.

Navy beans are a very good source.

Also found in whole grains, brewer’s yeast, molasses, and meats

 

Phosphatidyl serine, also known as PS, is a naturally occurring fat that is found in cell membranes. It’s one of the most plentiful fats in your brain tissue, and is a key building block in helping your cells communicate with one another. It also stimulates the production of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

PS is found in organ meats and fish.

Your body can make enough PS if it has enough folic acid, vitamin B12, and other essential fats. But as we age, we get less of these nutrients in our diets and our absorption is often poorer.

 

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) – This amino acid can boost brainpower and memory. ALC is a very powerful brain nutrient.

The only food source for this amino acid is animal brains

Studies have shown that ALC delays the progression of Alzheimer’s

In animal studies, it even prevented animals from developing Parkinson’s

Your brain makes ALC, but it’s often not enough as you age.

 

Keep an eye on HDL Cholesterol – A drop in HDL levels has been linked to mental decline.

Ideal HDL – As high as possible. Aim for at least 40.

Large handful (2.5 ounces or about 50 nuts) a day

Reach for almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios, macadamia nuts, and walnuts. These are packed with monounsaturated fatty acids that raise HDL while lowering LDL.

Pecans are high in the antioxidants that help fight Alzheimer’s and other neurological problems, including Parkinson’s. Pecans are one of the top 15 foods highest in antioxidants. Researchers suggest that adding a handful of pecans every day could delay the progression of Alzheimer’s and other age-related motor neuron degeneration. They contain more than 19 vitamins and minerals. And, of course, they’re cholesterol-free.

 

Mediterranean Diet

Several recent studies have highlighted the potential for this diet to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. It involves eating lots of fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods, fish and plenty of olive oil, but it is relatively low in dairy products and processed foods. Further long term research is needed to confirm the effects of eating this way.

A Mediterranean diet, high in fruit and vegetable content is a good heart diet, which means a good brain diet also. Aim for seven to eight servings daily of fatty fish, dark green, yellow and orange vegetables and fruits as well spices like ginger and curcumin.

 

Sage Tea

Sage has long been thought of in traditional herbal medicine as a brain booster

Improves memory

[Negin]

SUPPLEMENTS

DHA is the most important supplement. This is an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish and algae. Those who took 900 mg per day of algal DHA for 6 months made significantly fewer errors on memory tests than they had at the study’s onset.

Interestingly, another study found that DHA has little impact once serious dementia has set in.

Try to take 800 mg of DHA daily. Fish Oil has some DHA, but may not have enough.

 

Omega-3 fatty acids like - A good fish oil – such as Carlson’s

DO NOT TAKE FISH OILS IF YOU ARE ON ANY BLOOD THINNER. OR WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF ANY PLANNED SURGERY. OR IF YOUR DOCTOR ADVISES YOU NOT TO TAKE.

 

Ginkgo biloba's antioxidant action helps to protect the brain from free radical damage that can cause "mental fog." It also has the ability to stimulate blood flow to critical regions of the brain.

A good daily maintenance dosage is 10 milligrams of ginkgo that has been standardized to contain 24% of the flavonoid glycosides helps maintain brain function and cognitive performance as you age.

For intensive use, take 60 mg to 120 mg per day.

 

Vitamin D3

Memory loss may be linked to a Vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D helps normalize brain function. Its protective effects on nerve growth factors in the brain make it an ideal nutrient to use for either the prevention or treatment of mental decline. The more vitamin D, the better the memory.

If you're under 60, take 2,000 IU per day.

If you're 60 or over, take 5,000 IU per day of vitamin D3.

 

Iron is a double-edged mineral for women.

Studies indicate that iron can help improve short-term memory loss and concentration. If you aren't using iron cookware regularly, you may wish to take 10 to 15 milligrams of elemental iron a day.

Menstruating women lose iron-rich blood every month, plus pregnancy, nursing, and strenuous physical exercise dramatically increase the need for this mineral. But later in life, excess iron, which accumulates in the body after menopause, may increase women’s risk for cancer and heart disease.

If you’re over 50 or have experienced early or surgically induced menopause, see your doctor for a hematocrit, hemoglobin, and/or ferritin test to determine if you need iron. The ferritin test, which assesses stored iron, is most important here.

If your levels approach anywhere from 150 to 200 ng/mL on the ferritin test, do avoid extra iron in supplements, iron-enriched grains, and cut down on red meat. You might want to consider an iron-free multivitamin

 

Phosphatidyl serine, also known as PS, is a naturally occurring fat that is found in cell membranes. It’s one of the most plentiful fats in your brain tissue, and is a key building block in helping your cells communicate with one another. It also stimulates the production of brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

As we age, we get less of these nutrients in our diets and our absorption is often poorer.

Studies have shown that PS stimulates the memory in people with age-related memory loss. It also relieves age-related depression. When a group of people took 300 mg of PS a day for 3 months, they reported an improvement in mental clarity and the ability to remember names, faces, and phone numbers.

Some doctors recommend beginning with 300 mg until you notice improved clarity and recall (100 mg at breakfast and 200 mg at dinner). Then taper down to 100 mg a day for maintenance.

 

Resveratrol

Those who were given 1000 mg had increased blood flow and scored higher on cognitive tests than a control group

Take at least 100 mg of trans-reseveratrol daily

Resveratrol is nontoxic and there is essentially no known toxic dose – in other words, it’s not easy to overdose on it

But for general prevention, stick to the recommended dosage on the label

There are two forms of reseveratrol available: cis- and trans-.

Trans is much better absorbed than cis, which is less expensive also.

Do not take while pregnant

 

Blackberry Extract helps with motor performance and short-term memory (the two skills that are first to go in dementia patients)

 

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a memory-enhancer. Helps prevent memory loss associated with Alzheimer’s disease

Most need at least 500 mg.

At this dosage, many commonly experience flushing, which subsides within an hour. So, it’s best to avoid taking it right before leaving the house or going to sleep. These symptoms can be minimized if the niacin is taken with aspirin or a meal.

In fact, flushing is a positive sign that blood vessels are dilating in response to the niacin

Niacin is more effective than niacinamide.

CAUTION:

• Do not take more than 2000 mg daily. Very high doses can damage the liver. Again, one capsule of 500 mg per day is the usual recommendation.

• Be careful if you have prediabetes or diabetes. Niacin can raise levels of blood glucose. This effect is generally mild, though, and doesn’t outweigh its heart-protecting benefits. But it’s good to consult with your doctor before taking it.

• Also use caution if pregnant, have glaucoma, gout, liver disease, or peptic ulcers.

JUST SOME OF THE MANY SYMPTOMS OF NIACIN DEFICIENCY

Dementia

Depression

Dizziness

Headaches

Indigestion

Insomnia

Limb Pains

Loss of Appetite

Low Blood Sugar

Muscular Weakness

Skin that is particularly sensitive to sunlight

 

Grapeseed Oil – can help prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s

Can take up to 200 mg capsules a day

 

Vitamin B12 is supplied primarily by animal products, since plant foods (with minor exceptions) don’t contain it.

Improves concentration, memory, and balance

Too little of this vitamin raises homocysteine levels in the brain, which dramatically increases your risk for Alzheimer’s

The sublingual or time-release form is the best absorbed

Doses of 500-1000 mcg may be needed to protect against heart disease.

Too little B12 can lead to mental fogginess, mood imbalances, and memory lapses. Long-term consequences can include anemia, nerve damage, and even dementia.

 

Vitamin B1 (thiamin) has been shown to help strengthen memory and cognitive function.

College students were given 50 mg of B1 a day for 2 months. Their mood and mental acuity improved. Multivitamins contain from 5-100 mg of B1. You may need to take more depending on your multivitamin.

 

Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC) – This amino acid can boost brainpower and memory. ALC is a very powerful brain nutrient.

The only food source for this amino acid is animal brains

Studies have shown that ALC delays the progression of Alzheimer’s

In animal studies, it even prevented animals from developing Parkinson’s

Your brain makes ALC, but it’s often not enough as you age.

Take 100 to 1500 mg every day – if taking 500 mg or more, take it in divided doses

[Negin]

OTHER TIPS

The single most important step to improve your aging mind is to reduce your cortisol levels by lowering your stress. Chronically high cortisol levels can affect your memory.

Meditate, sip black tea, take a nap – anything to reduce stress

 

Regular exercise – People who workout for 30 minutes at least 5 times a week during middle age are much less likely to develop Alzheimer’s later in life.

What is good for the heart is good for the brain. Exercise can have a beneficial effect at any age to help protect against dementia and Alzheimer’s. It does not have to be the gym - a brisk walk is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Whatever form of exercise gets your heart pumping and leaves you somewhat out of breath is doing the trick.

Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, and so is indirectly thought to reduce the risk of dementia.

There is also growing evidence that regular exercise has other health effects such as promoting cell and tissue repair mechanisms including growth of new cells in the brain.

Any physical activity helps the brain grow new cells, which guards against dementia. Any unfamiliar movement can increase motor skills and brain function.

Avoid becoming comfortable with your movement routine – strive to mix it up every few months.

For maximum brain boost, inject novelty. Do different activities throughout the week or even within the same workout – 10 minutes of treadmill, elliptical, bicycle, etc. This prevents a mental and physical plateau.

 

Meditation – Regular mediation strengthens the brain and improves cognition. Brain scans have recently shown that one form, Kirtan Kriya, activates one of the first areas of the brain that degenerates with Alzheimer’s. This technique has been shown to reverse memory loss and enhance brain function in people with early Alzheimer’s. Many experts consider meditation one of the most effective forms of mind/body medicine.

Meditation has nothing to do with religious beliefs. Many kinds of meditation simply consist of focusing your awareness and specific breathing exercises. Using the Kirtan Kriya technique for just 12 minutes a day for 2 months has been shown to reverse memory loss in a group of people with mild cognitive impairment. It’s easy to do. You can buy an audio CD from the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation for about $12.

 

Football and other sports that have a high propensity for head injury. Repeated head injury increases risk for Alzheimer's. Always wear a seat belt and use a helmet whenever possible.

 

Keep an eye on HDL Cholesterol – A drop in HDL levels has been linked to mental decline.

Ideal HDL – As high as possible. Aim for at least 40.

Regular, Brisk Exercise helps raise your HDL cholesterol and lower your LDL cholesterol.

 

Numerous studies have found that higher amounts of aluminum in drinking water and food can cause impair memory.

Aluminum leeches easily from cookware and is readily absorbed into your system. Use iron cookware instead of aluminum and, if you haven't done so already, it's time to begin purifying your drinking water of aluminum and other harmful elements by distilling it.

 

The heavier and more overweight you are, the greater the risk of overall mental decline.

Insulin plays a special role in learning and memory

Numerous new studies suggest there’s a third kind of diabetes—what investigators are calling Type 3—that impacts cognitive function. Not only can obesity and diabetes cause neurodegeneration, but they also appear to significantly reduce brain weight, basically shrinking the brain itself.

A new study at London’s National Institute for Health Research shows that poorly controlled insulin (as in diabetes) not only increases the risk for cognitive impairment and dementia—but also speeds up the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). And Chinese research finds that the higher the BMI (body mass index), the greater the impairment to the brain.

Diabetics have up to 65% greater risk for Alzheimer’s than healthy individuals.

 

Check drug side effects. Many anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and incontinence drugs can cause cognitive impairment, especially in the elderly.

 

Having consistently raised blood pressure in mid-life - anything above 140/90mmHg is thought to increase the chance of dementia by causing damage to the brain. This may happen as a result of a stroke - in which blood supply to part or all of the brain is cut off - or due to microvascular disease, a condition which slows the flow of blood through the body thereby damaging cells and nerves in the brain. If you are over 40, or have a history of dementia or cardiovascular disease in your family, then get your blood pressure checked regularly.

 

Keep an active social life

Outgoing people and those who don’t get stressed easily and are more resilient are 50% less likely to develop dementia.

 

It sounds both attractive and plausible that giving your brain a "workout" could guard against dementia, and there is some evidence that very intensive brain training under strict conditions can improve specific functions like reasoning and problem solving. But there is no evidence as yet that doing a crossword a day or a number puzzle - or even learning a new language at 50 - will protect against dementia. That does mean they do not - simply that the proof that they do is presently lacking.

TRY TO DO AT LEAST ONE OF THESE EVERY DAY – OR AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE - Spend just 15 minutes a day on a new activity

Riddles

Sudoku

Logic Puzzles

Crossword Puzzles

Word Jumbles

Scrabble

Learn a new language

Buy a “Word a Day†calendar

Read various styles of writing – classics to cartoons

Memory – the card game (also called Concentration)

Memorize Phone Numbers

Play an instrument

Listen to books on tape

Learn new skills like knitting

Pick up a sport such as ping-pong

Once in a while, write with your opposite hand

Open doors with your non-dominant hand

Brush your teeth with non-dominant hand

Comb your hair with non-dominant hand

Eat with non-dominant hand

Write with non-dominant hand

Begin at 200 and count backward, subtracting 5 each time – 200, 195, 190

Begin at 150, count backward, subtract 7 each time – 150, 143, 136

Begin at 100, count backward, subtract 3 each time – 100, 97, 94

Do yoga and dance-like routines which involve complex movements that require thinking and focus at least twice a week.

Practice balancing by walking sideways in your kitchen or stand on one leg a few times a day.

 

GOOD BOOKS

“Mind Boosters†by Ray Sahelian

“The Better Brain Book†by David Perlmutter

[Colleen in NS]

Current brain science indicates that your brain doesn't have to deteriorate as you age. Here is an interesting book I recently finished about brains. It might help you understand what's going on.

 

Thanks for linking this. I ordered it from my library, and read most of it last night. Quite interesting! Esp. the parts about what stress does to the brain, and about why it's not a good idea to multitask certain things.

 

I just read a really interesting book about what your brain does as it ages. It's way more complex and interesting than everyone thought. Take a look at "The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain." Many effective tips included!

 

I think I'll see if my library has this one, too.

[J-rap]

I do feel sharp still at 51, so far.

 

But, the main thing I want to say is that I have the hands-on experience of watching an adult my age -- my husband -- REGAIN his intellectual abilities. Apart from the horrible-ness of it all, it is very fascinating.

 

My husband suffered the exact same detriments as Senator Gabby Giffords from his stroke a year and a half ago. He is working extremely hard to rebuild paths in his brain and get back to at least close to where he was. These are things that we have found to be helpful:

 

Work at it. We all challenge his brain constantly. When he wasn't at a point where he could do it himself yet, we did all the challenging. He spends hours each day working on mental activities.

 

Exercise. We walk every day, at least a mile, often two. For my husband -- walking a mile is probably like walking four miles. Every step he takes requires a ton of work.

 

Plenty of sleep. Sleep is probably the most important part of his recovery, and building up new paths in his brain. EVERYTHING depends on his getting enough sleep.

 

Time to relax. Time to sit every day and just relax is important too!

 

A positive mood. When my husband is depressed, it has an immediate affect on his fragile thinking ability.

 

Protein. His body requires much more energy these days, and protein seems to help.

 

Vitamin D.

 

Omega 3 fish oil.

 

Classical music in the background. Studies have shown that this can be helpful in promoting cognitive ability.

 

He's making amazing progress, and if he can make intellectual progress despite the damage, it seems like it gives all the rest of us hope, too!

[Colleen in NS]

But, the main thing I want to say is that I have the hands-on experience of watching an adult my age -- my husband -- REGAIN his intellectual abilities. Apart from the horrible-ness of it all, it is very fascinating.

 

My husband suffered the exact same detriments as Senator Gabby Giffords from his stroke a year and a half ago. He is working extremely hard to rebuild paths in his brain and get back to at least close to where he was.

 

THAT is a great story!

[Ester Maria]

But, the main thing I want to say is that I have the hands-on experience of watching an adult my age -- my husband -- REGAIN his intellectual abilities. Apart from the horrible-ness of it all, it is very fascinating.

 

My husband suffered the exact same detriments as Senator Gabby Giffords from his stroke a year and a half ago. He is working extremely hard to rebuild paths in his brain and get back to at least close to where he was. These are things that we have found to be helpful:

Thanks for sharing this story. :001_smile:

 

Negin - WOW, thank you for taking time to write all that! :001_smile:

[Outdoorsy Type]

- Taking notes from Negin's post. Thank you!!!! I have a short term memory problem at 30. :tongue_smilie: I'm too young for this!