BRAIN FITNESS

Recent research has found that the brain has the capacity to grow and change well into old age. If you remain mentally active, you may delay or generally avoid memory loss. Playing strategy and thinking games, working crossword puzzles, doing brain teasers, and continually learning and acquiring complex skills keeps your brain fit. Physical exercise increases blood flow to the brain which helps increase the production of neurons, allowing brain cells to multiply at a faster rate. Mental exercise causes brain neurons to grow more branches or dendrites leading to millions of additional synapses between brain cells. This additional brain tissue may help compensate for other brain tissue that is damaged due to disease or aging.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BRAIN

Maintaining and/or improving your mental functioning is a key to staying young and reducing your risk of cognitive decline. According to the February 2012 issue of Mayo Clinic's Embody Health newsletter, here are some recommendations to help you preserve your mental abilities: GET REGULAR AEROBIC EXERCISE: Studies have shown that exercise increases gray matter and increases neural activation and connectivity. DON'T SMOKE: If you need another reason, a study of nearly 1,400 adults concluded that middle aged smokers were at an increased risk of brain atrophy and cognitive decline 10 years later. MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT: Research indicates a link between obesity and cognitive decline. HAVE A SENSE OF PURPOSE: A study of 2,509 adults in their 70's found that those who worked or volunteered were more likely to remain cognitively healthy. The social connection helps a lot, too. MEDITATE: Studies have shown that regular meditation can help maintain or improve your memory and learning ability.