The Pearls of Life:
101 Simple Ways to Health and Happiness
Play Mind Games
Often my patients
or their families are concerned about whether they have Alzheimer’s, one
of the common causes of dementia. Having dementia is one of the fears
most people have about getting older.
Dementia is a
decrease in brain functions, interfering with our normal activities and
relationships. As we become older, certain brain functions do become
slower. But as everything in our amazing bodies tend to have a lot of
reserves, this normal slowing does not have to affect our lives
significantly.
The old saying
that you cannot teach an old dog new tricks is wrong in this case.
Scientists have discovered that even though our brain cells do not grow
and flourish as quickly and dramatically in our forties as do those in
newborn babies, they do continue to grow and make new connections. This
helps make a person’s life a truly dynamic process over the years.
In fact, recent
studies have shown that between the ages of forty-five and fifty, our
brains are in their best shape as far as processing different
information to form big ideas.
The saying “use it
or lose it” applies to our minds as well as our bodies. Research has
shown that people who have active minds tend to be less likely to have
dementia. And if they end up with dementia, it tends to happen later and
progress more slowly as compared to people who do not stimulate their
brains by actively engaging in mental activities. Our brain cells grow
more robust and resilient as we engage in activities that challenge
them.
The more you play
mind games and exercise your brain, the more reserves you will have in
your mental capacity. You literally have more “brains” by keeping your
mind actively engaged.
In addition to
exercising your brain, exercising your body and eating well also help
maintain healthy circulation to the brain, keeping it in top shape.
- Learn new things—playing a sport or an
instrument, painting, dancing, etc. Pick up a hobby. Take a course.
Learn a new language.
Get a degree. The possibilities are endless.
- Read books.
Explore new subjects.
- Do puzzles. Play
board games.
- Stay engaged
with family and friends. Social interactions stimulate our brains.