Training this organ vital to health
Brain health is a vital element of one’s overall fi tness. And it’s never too early — or late — to begin focusing on this area. Registered nurse Michelle Greer, director of nursing services of Village Healthcare at the Glen, is passionate about the prevention and treatment of cognitive loss and dementia. The clinical mentor for the Glen’s Memory Care household, Greer is responsible for research and development of innovative approaches to ensure quality of life for the elders they serve.
“Taking pro-active steps to maintain brain health is possible throughout all stages of adult life,” Greer said. “Many people feel impaired cognitive function is a normal part of aging and something that cannot be avoided.” But Greer would argue with that theory. “As we age, brain function slows consistent with the normal physiologic changes we see occurring in the rest of our body,” she said. “The truth is, we all fi nd ourselves in situations where an idea pops into our head, and we set out on an urgent mission toward the kitchen, only to arrive there and have absolutely no memory of what it was we came there to do.”
It’s only when one begins to notice loss of executive function, such as the ability to recall how to perform normal tasks, that there is a sign of a severe problem. “Currently, there is not a solution for avoiding all age-related or genetic-associated loss of brain function, including Alzheimer’s disease, but there are steps we can take to ensure we do our part to maintain a healthy brain regardless of age,” Greer said. Some of those steps include educational courses in subjects of interest, musical instrument lessons or games of skill such as chess, crossword puzzles or Sudoku.
Basic health care and regular exercise also go a long way in contributing to brain health. “Our overall health contributes greatly to maintaining good brain function later in life,” Greer said. “Avoiding potentially dangerous behaviors such as smoking or drinking alcohol in excess is also important.”
Brains also need and deserve plenty of time to rest. “Setting aside time in your day to be quiet and relax gives your brain time to process and sort information received,” she said.
Donesa Walker, MED and owner/ executive director of three LearningRx centers in Northwest Louisiana, is also passionate about brain health and cognitive development.
“Like the muscles in your body, your mind strengthens with daily stimulation and can atrophy if neglected and not used,” she said. “Most studies around the world show that the average person only uses about 10 percent of his or her brain. That number may vary under certain circumstances. One circumstance is the crossword. Recent studies show that crossword users may use up to 14 percent of their brain while taking on the challenge of a crossword puzzle. It sounds like a minute amount, but only about 25 percent of our brains are accessible for knowledge.”
A cognitive skills and brain training expert, Walker has accomplished several signifi cant research studies in the fi eld, as well as many years of experience training and raising the IQs of individuals with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, reading and math disorders, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s, stroke and other issues that inhibit cognitive skills progression.
“We live in a world that is so fastpaced; everything we’re doing requires multitasking abilities. In this high-stressed and predominantly technological culture, our cognitive skills are often dumbed down,” she said.
“The worst thing we can do for brain health is to stop challenging ourselves and our children. When activities become humdrum, just up the ante. Add challenges. Whatever you can do to keep your brain active!” – Betsy St. Amant
1. Staying mentally active with crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles
and jigsaw puzzles can actually increase brain power.
2. Learning something new and challenging also helps.
3. Taking up a musical instrument to learn or playing a board game can keep the mind active.
4. Reading is another great way to stay mentally active as well.
5. Always keep your brain functioning at its highest level to increase brain power.
6. Running, aerobics, swimming, jogging or walking can actually be a brain power strengthening technique. Exercise improves memory.
7. Picking up a new hobby or interest is a good way to strengthen your brain power.
8. Learning to draw, dance or anything that makes the brain work in a challenging way is extremely benefi cial.
9. The more you exercise different parts of your brain, the better it will function.
10. Brain building games are the perfect method to get both sides of your brain working on a deeper level for improvement.