8
&
September 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net |
Like us
@healthykentucky
Exercise at Least 3x a
Week
Memory
Boosting
Practices Science
Endorses
By Angela S.
Hoover, Staff
Writer
As much as
25 percent of
people aged 70 or older
develop MCI, which can
often be the precursor to conditions like
Alzheimer’s. Each year,
about 10 percent of
these people develop
full-blown dementia.
The Canadian Medical Journal
published an analysis review of 32
randomized clinical trials concerning memory boosting strategies and
products. Its review found no consistent scientific evidence that any drug,
vitamin or herbal product can prevent
mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in
healthy older adults. It did find that
estrogen can actually increase cognitive decline and dementia. However,
the review also found solid evidence
in three clinical trials that certain
brain exercises called cognitive training exercises, may help prevent mental decline. The strongest evidence
was for the value of mental exercises
such as computerized training programs and intensive one-on-one personal cognitive training in memory,
reasoning, or speed of processing.
Following are five practices that are
considered scientifically legitimate
in improving memory and fighting
against mental impairment and cognitive functioning.
Building Up a
Root Canal Specialist
• Compassionate Care
• State of the Art Facility • Delta Dental Provider
• Accepting Insurances & Care Credit
DONALD L. KELLEY, D.D.S., M.S. • www.endocenterlex.com • (859) 685-1068
216 FOUNTAIN COURT • SUITE 140 • LEXINGTON, KY 40509
‘Cognitive Reserve’
Staying mentally active increases
the brain’s vitality and it may also
build up a ‘cognitive reserve’ of
brain cells and connections. A cognitive reserve allows the brain to
continue functioning normally even
if it becomes damaged. This phenomenon was explored in a review
article by Columbia University
researchers who discussed 10 cases
in which seemingly normal, elderly
women with no signs of MCI showed
advanced Alzheimer’s disease pathology (plaques and tangles in the brain)
at death. The researchers theorize
that the women didn’t show dementia
symptoms because their brains were
larger than average. Likewise, a stroke
of a certain magnitude can cause
profound impairment in one person
but minimal impact in someone else.
It is believed that cognitive reserve is
responsible in both these examples.
Socializing with friends, solving
puzzles, playing games, attending
lectures or taking a class, playing a
musical instrument and learning a
foreign language are all excellent ways
to stimulate the brain and may add to
its cognitive reserve.
Memory Tricks for
Better Recall
Connecting a memory to an emotion is the memory trick with the
strongest evidence link. Another
memory trick is to involve all of your
senses. Mnemonics is another popular memory trick. The researchers
hope more work will be done on testing crossword and Sudoku puzzles.
Many studies have shown that
30-minute workouts, brisk walks and
weight training at least three times
a week help maintain mental skills
and slow the progression of cognitive decline. Exercise increases blood
flow to the brain and it increases
substances that help keep nerve
cells alive. Studi