Exercise Your Brain???Why?
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I went to a meeting a week ago that the alzheimer's association put on and they say "there is growing evidence that lifestyle can effect your brain health and risk of dementia"....it was truly interesting and I thought I would pass on some of the advice we were given....
Your brain can generate new cells...by stimulating it with challenging mind games. research has found by keeping the brain active it increases its vitality and can build its reserves of braincells and connections.
It isn't necessary to turn your life upside down but simply keep your brain active every day.....here a few ideas they gave us...
...stay curious and involved = lifetime learning
...keep informed about current events
...read, read, read
...work brainteasers, here are some sites for brain teasers(www.gamesforthebrain.com, www.cryptograms.org) crosswords or other type puzzles
...tinker with cars, computers or small appliances
...play cards, or board games (the more the merrier) we used to do this a lot before T.V. or Computers
...plant a garden designed by you...containers work well
...write letters and e-mails , keep in contact with people
...build a model or even a piece of furniture
Like the rest of our body, our brain can/may lose some of its agility as you get older...though Science is unlocking many mysteries of the brain they don't have all the answers...and you can do everything "right" and still not prevent Alzheimer's disease.
Like all the other decisions you are free to make to take care of yourself , this is another one...Maintain Your Brain. Genetics and aging are two well-established factors for this disease...and they say 10o/o of those over 65 and 50 o/o over 85 have Alzheimer's. These two factors are one's you can't control.
Make brain-healthy lifestyle choices:
Eat wisely...there is growing evidence that a diet rich in dark vegetables and fruits, which contain antioxidents, may help protect brain cells.
Stay physically active...this helps maintain good blood flow to the brain, which helps protect it.
Keep mentally active...which I already covered.
Stay socially involved...it can reduce stress levels,and helps you physically and mentally feel better, which can help maintain healthy connections among brain cells.
Alzheimer is the man that discovered this disease and under the umbrella of his name is now over 200 kinds of dementia...it is normal to forget certain things...like where are my keys? why did I come into this room? where did I park my car?..but when you forget dates, and people, and how to function daily routine things...you may have a real problem.
There are some medications available that can slow things down..but not yet prevent dementia...and as my mom is in the 3rd and final stage it becomes very sad...but I know she is happy..even if she can't remember...her smile is beautiful and says a lot...I hope this helps someone...:o) Hugs
If you want more imformation you can call 1-800-272-3900 or go to www.alz.org...they are wonderful and so helpfull...G-Ma
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OM am so glad to see you here once again...been a while my dear...everything ok????
thank You for your comment...and MERRY CHRISTMAS & a happy new year g-mA :O) hUGS
I agree with you 100%. I naturally have a desire to learn and venture into new activities. This is so much to learn and none of us will ever know it all, but I'll try to make a small dent to keep my brain functional.
Yes...if you don't use it you lose it..as the old saying goes..LoL..well thank you laringo for your comment my dear...and this was an eye opener to me since my mom has the dementing disease and as I watch her day by day it becomes not in any way easier...but if we can learn and help prevent this for other's It is a good thing...MERRY CHRISTMAS...G-Ma :o) Hugs
I Know how what you are going through because my dad also went through this disease. God Bless your heart. From one grandma to another....
Merry Merry Christmas to you and your family.
awww.... thank you dear...is also nice to know am not alone...too bad we learn the hard way...but God has a plan I guess...and am learning to listen...never too late....G-Ma :o) hugs
Thumbs up G-ma. I love the way you love. My whole being gets enough exercise from visiting your hub today. It's a good way to live a healthy lifestyle. Get into hubs that pump up your heart with a lot of loving. Be blessed:)
Use it or lose it, thats what they say. I like to do NY Times crossword puzzles, and write meaningless tripe blogs to keep my mind in shape. lol
dayzeebee..thank you sweetie...awwww well it is important as I have learned...G-Ma :o) Hugs
muley84...Yes you are so right..but they also say there must be a challenge...if you get too used to a certain puzzle or game it isn't the right kind of challenge...So keep up your good work my new friend...Thank you for commenting...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Very informative hub. I believe it is important to continually exercise our minds :).
Great hub, G-Ma. In my family we're big on board games and word puzzles... even today! We're also computer geeks (thanks for the brain games link, I'll pass it on!). I'm very grateful for this because I learned long ago that the simple act of learning builds neurons (if that is the right word), connectors, in the brain - strengthening the brain, keeping it healthy and fit and reducing the risk of dimentia and ALZ. You were SO right when you said the brain was just like the rest of the body and needed regular exercise. "Use it or lose it."
There is also a growing belief among the scientific and medical communities that it is the lifelong ingestion of pills which is causing dimentia and ALZ. Think of all the pills Americans take everyday... This has been going on for a very long time, but lately has become even more rediculous! It is feared that the microscopic residual build-up in the brain of all those chemicals over all those years is causing us to collectively lose or minds.
American Indians didn't lose their minds when they grew older. They became the Elders, the Sages, the Wisemen who led the tribes. It isn't normal for the human brain (or the human body, for that matter) to fall apart after 60 or 70 years. This, we do to ourselves.
PS: Where is Sequim?
SweetiePie...yes it is very true and about time they figure that out...I would say..thanks for commenting my dear...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Constant Walker...first of all is so nice to see you comment on my hub...and second "Sequim" is in the State of Washington and is an Indian name for "Calm Waters"..and you know one of the things the Alzheimer Assoc. did also talk about at this meeting was that very fact you mention...about pills...yes it makes a gooey mess between the connectors that can not be removed and so the brain cells die...and yes neurons is the correct word...there are many and am trying to learn...I am no scientist tho LOL hee hee...but am very glad there are some and they can figure this out...
They say there is no real way of knowing who will get this disease and who won't but the facts lead to just what you have spoken...however all games need to be a real challenge to the brain otherwise it clogs up...My mom was a very active working woman but as she grew older and then lost my dad she didn't challenge herself...and slowly this disease took over...Although she never took many pills and mostly taught us kids how to eat properly and we have taken herbs most of our lives...you still need to challenge the Mind...
I feel lucky actually...my ex left me at a time when my mom needed me most and so I took over, being the eldest in my family, I learned the computer,which I had fought for years, I am reading a lot more to figure out this dementing disease and trying to help others much more...so everything happens for a reason..and now I just trust God and pray for all who suffer in any way...Oh dear am babbling...Have a wonderful day my dear...G-Ma :o) Hugs
You certainly weren't babbling, G-Ma. I was interested in everything you wrote. It was VERY good to hear that the ALZ Assoc is finally starting to recognize what a lifetime of pill-popping does to the brain. Have they published anything on this subject? I would very much like to forward that literature to certain members of my family (a few from the "Take-A-Pill" generation, you know?) who still reach for a pill at the slightest thing. They equate OTC or doctor-prescribed as being perfectly safe. Very un-narcotic. I think of them all as being the same. Dangerous!
I've always avoided pills (meds, drugs, OTCs, whatever) as if they were poison because, in reality, that is exactly what they are. I'll make the exception on those very rare occasions when something absolutely necessary is prescribed - for a very short time, but don't know what I would do if I was ever prescribed something for a lifetime.
Wait, ya I do; I'd immediately start looking for alternatives. They're always out there!
PS: We're very close! I'm in Oregon, Springfield. "Sequim" is a very cool word. I'm part Iroquois, but know very little about my heritage. They're Eastern.
Muley84, impressive! I can rarely get through an entire NY Times crossword. Damn, they're hard! I always use a pen. I think that's optomism. You?
Also, if writing is keeping your mind in shape, even if it's bad, then it is not "meaningless tripe." Wow, that's deep, eh? I think I just exercised MY mind.
I'm gonna go take a nap now...
Sleep tight CW and sweet dreams...www.alz.org is the place to check on what they have available...but it has just been in the last 10 years they have come to know so much more and in the last few to believe what we eat and what we ingest as far as pills go...has something to do with this disease...so we need to help support their effforts and I am trying....Thank God for them they are great...zzzzzzz sleep well....G-Ma :o) Hugs
I recently read that learning to juggle, can spur growth of new brain cells. I have been juggling for years, so I'd hate to think what my brain would be like if I hadn't learned! Good hub G-Ma!
BT That sounds good to me...My son is a good juggler too...must be really difficult for you tho...so that is really a good thing...Long live our B.T. Evilpants..and thanks for your comment...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Very nice hub G-Ma on such an important subject. I've given your hub a link in my hub "Give your brain a workout" so to keep this message alive. Thumbs up and a hug to a sweetie :)
Dottie 1...well thank you dear lady...and I have found out the hard way about such a disease...but there is always hope for future folks...there is no stopping it as of now tho...they have pills that can slow it down but it still progresses and all of sudden quickly...the body may be in shape but when the mind can't respond properly and brain cells die eventually all goes...Mom is now in stage 3...and there are only 3...God Bless...G-Ma :o) Hugs
G-Ma, my mother and I have been exploring the games on gamesforthebrain.com all day long. It's a fun site, has some fun games and has a lot of good healthy brain tips. Wow, kippers are good brain food! I've been a fiend for those - with Saltines - for many years.
So nice to be vindicated...
This disease is in my family too, G-Ma on my mother's side. Her mom and her brother are gone and now her older sister has this disease. I think it's probably close to stage 3. I am beginning to see signs in my mom too and I fear for her because I do not think she does enough exercising of her mind. My Dad's mind is as sharp as a tack so I hope I have more of his....does it count bcuz I look more like him? lol
CW Thanks I will go there and check it out...Kipper's the dog cartoon and books>>>Yikes that's funny as can be..I have many of his books...LOL hee hee maybe I will be saved...Have a good day sweetie...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Dottie 1...sorry to say it doesn't count...but if your mom is beginning the signs and you can get her to see a doctor there is hope of slowing it down...see if you can get her to do some of the exercises in a fun way w /o hurting her feelings. The first problem , as you probably know, is admitting one has a problem, because it can be hard to recognize at first...people live longer today and we used to call it senile...
also check her B-12 levels...it can be a low B-12 also..there many reason's it is hard to explain them all here...again I say to go to www.alz.org they are great and usually there is a group available to go to in person or to call...they have 24/7 services...here anyway and I do live in a small town...God Bless...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Thank you G-Ma for information. I will definitely check it all out. God Bless you!
Ok sweetie....Love G-Ma :o) Hugs
Good informations for my brain too.Happy new year for you.
Thank you dear..komjag, and the same to you...and many more...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Love the illustrations! Apart from delaying or avoiding dementia, social contact is very important in avoiding depression. A significant number of the elderly become lonely, and then clinically depressed. It can take an effort to get out, or invite others to visit, and sometimes our friends and relatives need a little help.
Hi G-Ma,
I lost my brother-in-law to dementia. He was also an alcoholic, and the thinking there was that the alcohol turned his brain to mush. I remember he'd show up at my house, have a seat, and comment about how many books I had. Wouldn't say much else, then leave, only to repeat this visit many times, saying the same thing to me.
As far as pills, thankfully, I rarely take them, even after they're prescribed. I guess I get it filled just in case I need it. I will, however, always take an antibiotic, and since I've been home now since Dec on disability leave for surgery, I did take the pain meds as needed. Other than that, I am pretty much pill free. I'm also lucky in that I think in my lifetime I've only ever had 3 headaches, and took aspirin for only one of those.
As far as exercising my brain, hubpages has been a godsend to me. This site always keeps me thinking :)
A wonderful hub, and thank you for putting this out here. God bless and have a healthy, happy New Year!
PS: Great pics!
2 Patricia's...Yes my dear you are so right...sometimes it is very difficult to know whether a person is simply depressed or not going into this dementing disease...But there are many ways to be tested...and is always important to socialize whether sick or not....Thank you dear for your comment...Happy New Year...G-Ma :o) Hugs
trish1048...so sorry to hear that but I do understand...and though alcohol may have contributed to his brain disease it is not always the reason...there is no real way to know if one will have it or one will not...so many things are involved that we have no control over...but on the other hand there is much we do have control over...and am glad to hear you don't take a lot of pills...low B-12 can be a factor also along with other defiencies...
Maintaining your brain should involve many different challenges..and I agree the Hubs help...but there is no One thing that they know of yet...or think they know...but in the last 10 yrs. much progress has been made...Thank God... and Thank you also for your comment and a HAPPY NEW YEAR...G-Ma :o) Hugs
On-line poker is an excellent way to exercise your brain. Really. It's like chess, only more complicated because you have incomplete information. Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and other university law schools now use poker to teach strategic thinking.
A year after I started playing, my math skills have improved, my numeric dyslexia has decreased, and I recently scored in the top percentile of brain flexibility -- at 65!
Thanks for the great hub!
Wow...very impressive my dear...I have always loved poker and also have always been into numbers..been a banker...a bookkeeper...a Manager of a Jewelry Mfg. Co. and several other things...
Am surprised after reading your profile, that you even read mine...but am flattered and Thank you for that...You seem a wise Man...Happy New Year...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Love this article. Good information. Thanks.
Well you are welcome my dear tho1...I aim to please...no just want to share what I know from my experiences with my dementing 89 year old Mother...and IF it can help anyone else... good...Thank you for your comment and HAPPY NEW YEAR...G-Ma:o) Hugs
Hello G-Ma, Happy New Year and big hugs. I sent you an email through Hubpages and I hope you received it. Love you much. Godbless:)
G-Ma, forgot to mention; One of our favorite brain games is called Text Twist. Way fun! You'll like it if you like word games:
http://games.yahoo.com/console/tx
It might take a few seconds for the page to load... depending on your connection, but after that, it's fine.
dayzeebee...Thank you with tears in my eyes...and I forwarded it to a few people I thought would like it too...was beautiful..God Bless You Always...G-Ma :o) Hugs
CW Thank you hun..I shall give it a try...you behave tomorrow night now?? ha ha lol at least be safe...G-Ma :o) Hugs Partytime....yesssss :O)
I can't promise to "behave," ...where's the fun in that?! But, I will definitely "be SAFE."
well we only live once....what's that saying ?? you want to slide in safe...saying "what a ride"..Life's ride I am refering to...HAPPY nEW yEAR AND i PRaY IT iS A GooD oNE fOr eVErYOnE...OOPS! ! ! i aM NoT DRiINkING YEt...But LOoks THat wAY Have fun sweetie...G-Ma :o) Hugs
Bonjour.
Nice hub! I'm a PhD student and this is what my dissertation is all about. There is a very interesting theory that I might write about next - it's called the "cognitive reserve theory" developed by Dr. Y. Stern that discusses WHY keeping the mind active, socializing, et cetera is so beneficial insofar as keeping the brain healthy and warding off dementia.
Have a wonderful day!
G-ma - well you sure are putting your brain to work with all of your excellent hubs. Thanks for the info!
I just bought a rubic's cube for my dad. I forgot to bring it to him the last two times though :(
i have something to add to this Gma.i think it is alsom neccesary to elminate or reduce the brain numbing things we do like watching too much television even when we are not enjoying it but purely for the sake of what we think is "time pass"We can easily identify the things that numb our brains and the things that stimulate it bu looking at the feeling we get at the end of the activity. if it makes you feel energised DO IT otherwise let it go.
neeleshkulkarni...I must totally agree with that... and Thank you for commenting and bringing me back here...It is sometimes fun to re-read what one has written so long ago...I am such a blabber mouth...all this is true...
Mom is now 91 and still hanging on...though after falling and breaking her hip, she is wheelchair bound but pretty up beat...most of the time...God Bless...:O) Hugs G-Ma
Ha ha! I was reading your article and then noticed you to by Gma Johnson. That's what we called my grandma! 'Gma' I love it!
omdelhi 3 years ago
Hello Mam,
Again a good and informative hub. I am back.
OM