TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 MORE HEALTH ARTICLES

 TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2021 MORE HEALTH ARTICLES

But, first an old song lyric!!!

“"Oh, shine on, shine on harvest moon up in the sky

I ain't had no lovin' since January, February, June, or July

Snowtime ain't no time to stay outdoors and spoon

So shine on, shine on harvest moon - for me and my gal!"

Technically the “Harvest Moon” was last night on Sept. 20, 2021, at 6:55 p.m. (Central Time) 

I hope you enjoyed it!!!

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BRAIN TRAINING CAN HELP AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S

Brain training just might prevent dementia - Alzheimer's Prevention Bulletin

Today looks at a research study into brain training for dementia:

“There is an urgent need to intervene to curb the increasing prevalence of dementia in our society,” said Jerri Edwards, Ph.D., PACT USF site a principal investigator (PI) of the NIH grant and University of South Florida site PI and a professor at the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. “Strong preliminary data from more than 18 randomized clinical trials show that a particular type of computerized cognitive training improves cognition and may reduce dementia risk.”

In fact, research has shown that brain training may also:

• Enhance mental quickness and visual attention

• Improve gait speed and balance

• Improve driving safety

• Maintain health and well-being

• Allow you to perform everyday tasks more efficiently

• Protect against depression

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Okay - what great results - mental quickness and visual attention; speed and balance, driving safety, health and well-being, being more efficient, and protecting again depression.  I don’t think there are any negatives on that list

One study involved more than 2,800 adults 65 and older. They went to up to 10 hour-long brain-training sessions for 5 to 6 weeks. The sessions focused on tactics for these skills:

• Memory

• Reasoning

• Speed of processing information

People who took the training showed improvement in these skills that lasted for at least 5 years. They also improved at everyday tasks, such as the ability to manage money and do housework.

One study found that exercising the mind delayed declines in thinking skills. After people started having Alzheimer's symptoms, though, mental decline sped up in those who kept their minds engaged. It's possible that being mentally active bolstered the brain at first, so symptoms didn't show up until later.

The silver lining here? People who regularly challenge their minds may spend a shorter part of their lives in a state of decline, even if they do get Alzheimer's.

The activity may vary from person to person. But the main idea seems to be keeping your brain active and challenged. You could start with something as simple as eating with the hand you usually don’t use from time to time.

You can also:

• Learn something new, such as a second language or a musical instrument. (like German on Duolingo or playing tuba!!)

• Play board games with your kids or grandkids. Or get your friends together for a weekly game of cards. Mix it up by trying new games. The extra bonus of activities like these? Social connections also help your brain (so my social bridge group qualifies!!!)

• Work on crossword, number, or other kinds of puzzles.

• Play online memory games or video games.

• Read, write, or sign up for local adult education classes.

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Okay, if this is the case, my brain is going to last until it is 150 years old (and from yesterday, my body isn’t going to make it - more vegetable, Karen!!)

I play some logic, spatial, word-based games most day, I do daily German lessons, and more.

And, I think writing a daily blog also keeps my brain functioning. It is also much better to write on a computer with the I, O, and P keys work!!! <grin>

Plus at least twice a week I play the tuba. 

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Some other dementia/Alzheimer’s suggestions:

Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease has been linked with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.
- Exercise regularly
- Engage in social activities
- Have a healthy diet
- Get quality sleep
- Manage stress effectively
- Stop smoking|
- Maintain a healthy weight-height ratio

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And, with yesterday’s study (the vegetable expectations are still haunting me) - but the other suggestions are good nutrition, solid sleep, exercise, good relationships with family and friends.

Get your brain going.  This is one of the reasons I don’t have a television!!!

LOVE WINS

Karen