Originally published August 26 2005
Mental exercises keep the brain younger
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Along with a healthy diet, "mental calisthenics" could be the key to a healthy memory.
Like many Americans sliding into middle age, Kimberly McClain started worrying that her memory was beginning to slip.
McClain is among the increasing number of Americans who are performing mental calisthenics, taking Italian classes, deciphering crossword puzzles and hunting for other ways to try to keep their minds from fading.
A large body of evidence indicates that people who are mentally active throughout their lives are significantly less likely to suffer senility, and a handful of studies have found that mental exercises can boost brain function.
The minds of younger people who drill their memories seem to work more efficiently.
But it remains far from clear exactly which of the myriad use-it-or-lose-it methods promoted by researchers, self-help books and health groups protect the brain in the long term, and actually reduce the risk for dementia.
With the population aging, and the number of cases of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia rising rapidly, experts say preventing mental deterioration from occurring in the first place will be crucial to minimizing the mounting suffering and costs.
Several large projects have found that people who are more educated, have more intellectually challenging jobs and engage in more mentally stimulating activities, such as attending lectures and plays, reading, playing chess and other hobbies, are much less likely to develop Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.
Scientists suspect that a lifetime of thinking a lot may create a ``cognitive reserve''--a reservoir of brain power that people can draw upon even if they suffer damaging silent strokes or protein deposits that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer's.
``We observed changes that appeared to show that their brains were functioning more like younger adults'.''
But none of the researchers said the findings are strong enough to merit specific recommendations.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml