Keeping Your Brain Trained

One of the most complex organs in the human body is the brain. It holds our memories, hopes and dreams. As we age, so does our brain.

It does not, however, have to age badly, because, like our body, if we take care of our brain it will last a little longer.

One of the things that researchers say can ward off or may mitigate dementia in older people is to constantly keep thinking and using their minds.

It is never too late to pull out a crossword puzzle and give your brain a challenge.

"Basically, there is some research that the brain can continue to form new connections even when you are older, so the best way to do that is to give your brain something to work on," said Anne Glass, assistant director at the Institute of Gerontology at the College of Public Health at the University of Georgia.

You don't even have to go out and buy the fancy new gadgets. Glass said crossword puzzles and other games work to stimulate the brain. It is also a good idea to embrace new ideas and activities.

"Get out of your rut and try something new everyday," said Glass. "If you go to the grocery store, take a different route one day. Anything to get you out of a rut helps."

Also "anything that makes you think," she added.

Watch "Jeopardy" on television, buy a Sudoku numbers game book or go for a walk.

Exercise is another key to keeping your brain healthy for years to come. Or taking a continuing education class will get the brain thinking.

Getting together with friends to have conversations with people instead of being at home by yourself is also important, Glass said.

"To hear other people's perspectives and get into a conversation is stimulating," she said. "Be more physically and mentally active."

That is exactly what people are doing at the Multi-Purpose Center in Brunswick, Ga. Its mission is to enrich and promote a better quality of life for senior citizens in Glynn County, Ga., who are 60 years of age and older, and their spouses.

"It's very important for them to get out of the house and socialize," said Darlene Wymes, director at the Multi-Purpose Center. "It makes a big difference."

Wymes sees first hand the difference in seniors when they come to the center. They are happy, talkative and animated. They enjoy sharing their stories about life.

"At the house you are just sitting at home and not getting the mind stimulated," Wymes said. "You want to stimulate the mind. Just get out and socialize with people, and if you don't come here (to the Multi-Purpose Center) go to church or volunteer, because you have to do something."

The staff at the center asks the seniors questions about current events. They question their plans for the holidays and encourage them to join in activities. Word games are popular and keep the mind thinking. The most popular activity is Bingo, a game of chance.

There are many activities that the seniors can get involved in at the center, such as music and art therapy, physical fitness activities, current events reviews, holiday parties, games and community speakers.

"You want to do anything to keep the mind active," Wymes said.

She has seen all different walks of life come through the Multi-Purpose Center and added that all individuals are different. She has witnessed people nearing 100 who have a perfect memories, while others in their 50s are suffering memory loss.

Memory loss and dementia affect people differently and at the present time there is no cure, but it has been proven that keeping the mind active and stimulated keeps it sharp.

Aging Successfully

Studies have shown that people who tend to age "successfully," share certain characteristics and activities that may help keep them sharp. These practices may help prevent declines in cognition and memory:

Physical activity is strongly linked with lifelong brain health. Aerobic exercise, in particular, appears to sharpen memory skills.

Mental exercise, especially learning new things or pursuing intellectually stimulating activities, may strengthen brain cell networks and help preserve mental functions. 

More formal education is associated with mental sharpness among older persons. This may be because continued learning creates a "neural reserve" of denser, stronger nerve-cell connections. 

A sense of control or influence over your life and that of others -- believing that what you do makes a difference -- appears, for some unknown reason, to prevent cognitive decline.