Brain Games
Dear Caregivers,
As I’ve been watching the Winter Olympics come to a close this week, I’ve been reflecting on all the intensive training that went into creating these peak performances. At the same time, a new study released this week suggests that when it comes to cognitive function, life-long training is also a key to successful aging for people like you and me.
Examining the lives of nearly 2,000 people over decades, researchers from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago found that people who engaged in regular, brain-enriching activities throughout their lives demonstrated less risk of cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s and dementia as they aged.
Previous studies have found that specific activities such as playing a musical instrument, learning a language, or regularly dancing have an effect on staving off cognitive decline. The new study shows that even casual mental activities such as a lifetime of reading, having an active social life, playing games such as chess, and other hobbies that enrich a person’s overall cognitive environment also have a beneficial effect.
When subjects' brains were studied, the researchers found that all participants’ brains showed similar physical effects of aging. But the detrimental cognitive effects were reduced among those who kept their brains active, even though their physical brains looked the same.
The finding adds weight to the theory that our brain can adapt and remain resilient despite physical changes, as long as we keep mentally and physically active—something that these Olympian performances inspire us to do!
Here are some more resources on how to keep your brain active:
Making Brain Games Your New Hobby:
To find a way to keep your loved one’s brain active and healthy, start by thinking about the types of activities or hobbies your loved one likes best. No matter what activity it is, pursuing hobbies regularly will keep their mind and body active, and in some cases allow them to engage more deeply in social activities. Here's how to do it.
The Benefits of Socializing:
People who socially connect with others have improved brain function, such as better memory, and are less likely to develop dementia than those who are more socially isolated. Here are some tips for increasing social engagement.
Exercise Your Brain with Games:
Games work to stave off dementia, strengthen critical thinking skills, and promote brain health. What kind of game works best? Here's a guide.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“The brain is like a muscle; books are the diet and writing is the workout."
— Stewart Stafford
