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Seniors Retaining Their Mental Acuity Through Brain Exercise
By
Stephen Baetge
Staff writer
Researchers
at the University of Wisconsin have reinforced previous studies indicating
that a combination of physical exercise, mental exercise and social
interaction are the keys to retaining mental acuity and memory as
people age.
The study was undertaken as part of the University’s continuing research
into mitigating the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. With the graying
of the boomer generation, a national interest in keeping and retaining memory
is increasing.
“We’re seeing baby boomers and even people in their thirties worrying
about brain fitness,” said Asenath LaRue, a senior scientist at the University
of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. LaRue, a neuropsychologist
at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, specializes in research into cognitive
aging.
While there are no definitive studies on ways to keep the brain in top condition,
the University of Wisconsin research along with several previous studies point
to three key areas in brain fitness – physical activity, brain exercises
and socialization.
Regular activity, not necessarily a planned exercise, appears to work better
in maintaining brain fitness, said LaRue. She indicated that activities like
gardening, dancing and even cleaning would likely increase the chances of maintaining
brain health.
An independent study by the University of North Carolina (UNC) – Chapel
Hill reached the same conclusion. The UNC study is the first to compare brain
scans of older adults who physically exercise to the brain scans of those who
do not.
“Our results show that exercise may reduce age-related changes in brain
vasculature and blood flow,” said Feraz Rahman, M.S., who presented the
UNC findings.
“Other studies have shown that exercise prevents cognitive decline in the
elderly. The blood vessel and flow differences may be one reason,” said
Rahman.
Performing activities that challenge the brain is also recommended. LaRue indicated
that early observational studies have suggested various benefits of mental gymnastics
and mind challenges.
Earlier studies have fueled a booming business in equipment designed to help
older Americans exercise their cognitive abilities.
“Researchers agree that successful aging requires ongoing mental stimulation,
but the challenge is to provide that stimulation in a form that seniors enjoy
enough to do it on a consistent basis and that does not place on operational
burden on the senior living facility,” said Dan Michel, founder and CEO
of Dakim, Inc, a company specializing in brain-training equipment.
LaRue believes the push towards brain exercise may go further. “It’s
not a stretch to think we may begin hiring brain coaches in addition to physical
fitness trainers,” she noted.
The University of Wisconsin research also echoes earlier studies indicating that
people who are active in broad social networks may hold up better cognitively
than those who are less socially active.
LaRue and other researchers have emphasized the fact that researchers don’t
believe any single approach will stop or reverse dementia and Alzheimer’s
disease. But they may forestall memory loss and confusion.
The bottom line appears to be that any effort to improve cognitive function is
beneficial.
“While we don’t know at what point in an individual’s life
the three factors have maximum impact, the theory is that the better developed
your coping resources, the more likely you are to withstand brain changes affecting
memory and thinking,” LaRue stated.
“It’s not unlike heart disease. Once you have it, you can’t
reverse it. But with a combination of lifestyle adjustments and medications,
many of the most challenging symptoms can be managed effectively,” she
concluded.
The Alzheimer’s Association estimates that 5.2 million Americans have memory
and language problems caused by Alzheimer’s disease. That number is expected
to increase by more than 50 percent by 2030.
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Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
