(ARA) – Who says you can’t teach a mind new tricks at any age?
Recent research shows that Americans have the power to positively
influence their brain function throughout life – an important
realization that is especially relevant for the more than 78
million baby boomers in the United States. Brain health is one of
the top health-related concerns of aging populations and has been
identified by the Centers for Disease Control as a public health
priority.
“The fear of memory loss and losing brain capacity looms large
among the minds of boomers,” says Dr. Majid Fotuhi, a leading
neurologist and author of “The Memory Cure.” “But we can maintain
and even improve our brain health as we age. In fact, our brains
have the ability to grow and change throughout life.”
Dr. Fotuhi debunks four common myths surrounding the brain and
aging.
1. The brain stops growing after childhood.
A decade ago, many experts would have scoffed at the idea that
the brains of adults, particularly older adults, could grow or
develop in any significant way. But that has changed. Research
increasingly suggests that each time a new skill is learned, such
as playing an instrument, speaking a foreign language or even
dancing, new pathways are formed and areas of the brain may grow,
even well into the later years. Physical and mental exercise can
alter specific brain regions, improving in cognitive function.
Brain growth isn’t just for kids.
2. Once I start experiencing memory loss, it’s all downhill and
there’s not much I can do.
Actually, there are a number of things you can do to improve
your memory throughout life, even if you are already noticing
changes. Exercise, challenging mental activities, social engagement
and diet adjustments have all been shown to have positive effects
on cognition and memory. In fact, a new study published online in
May in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s
Association, showed that healthy people with memory complaints who
took algal DHA capsules for six months had almost double the
reduction in errors on a test that measures learning and memory
performance versus those who took a placebo, a benefit roughly
equivalent to having the learning and memory skills of someone
three years younger. DHA (or docosahexaenoic acid) is an omega-3
fatty acid and a building block for the brain. Algal DHA products
comparable to those used in this study can be found at major
retailers like Walmart, CVS and Walgreens under the Algal-900
product name – look for the life’sDHA seal on these supplements to
ensure you are getting an algal DHA source. For more information on
foods, beverages and supplements that contain algal DHA, visit
www.lifesdha.com.
3. Memory problems must mean Alzheimer’s disease.
Many people, young or old, worry that mild forgetfulness must be
a sign of Alzheimer’s disease. But most people are worrying
needlessly – research shows that more than 80 percent of people
will never get Alzheimer’s disease. Some experts now believe that
it is time to redefine everyone’s understanding of age-related
memory loss and dementia. Emerging research indicates that many
people experiencing memory loss and dementia actually have mixed
pathologies in their brains. In fact, very few senior citizens have
“pure Alzheimer’s disease.” Instead, late-life cognitive impairment
may in fact be a result of multiple “hits” to the brain, from a
variety of risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, sedentary
lifestyle, chronic stress, head trauma and poor diet. The good
news? There is the opportunity to influence brain health and
function by incorporating lifestyle factors like exercise, a
healthy diet, stress reduction and intellectual and social
engagement. Regardless of family history, the choices a person
makes in life may be able to slow the progression of age-related
cognitive decline or help prevent it altogether.
4. Brightest equals youngest.
Today’s society does place an emphasis on age but, keep in mind,
people over 65 rule the country. The majority of legislators, CEOs,
doctors, lawyers, judges, economists and CEOs are not in their 30s
or 40s, but seasoned veterans who bestow several decades of
experience and expertise. Along with gray hairs come both knowledge
and wisdom and you do not have to look far to find inspiring
stories of accomplishment, creativity and reinvention in the second
half of life. To see some inspiring profiles of aging and learn
more about the actions you can take to ensure that you build and
maintain a mind that is healthy and beautiful for an entire
lifetime, go to beautiful-minds.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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