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New computer software 'can keep elderly people's brain sharp.
It used to be that scientists and the medical profession thought the human brain was hardwired and unable to change, grow, or be repaired once we reach a certain age.
This is no longer the belief as new research, experiments, tests and programs are showing that our brain form and function can be altered; that lost brain cells can be replaced or another part of the brain can take over. The brain is now considered to be plastic (can be shaped and formed) - also called neuroplacticity. Studies are starting to show that combining mind exercise activities or software programs can have a significant effect. We are starting to witness broad range to targeted improvements in our brain's abilities.
If we are reading a book, working on a puzzle (Sudoku), writing a letter we are exercising our brains. MRI studies have shown that these increase the blood flow and activity in various regions of our brain. On the other end, watching the TV is such a passive activity that the brain does not exhibit much activity while doing so. As the brain is a muscle I guess it works like the ones we are more familiar with in our bodies. As we age we start getting more aches and pains. If you use a muscle that has not seen much activity over time it starts to lose its abilities and is easier to overwork it - thus the pain and sourness. If we had stretched and exercised that muscle continuously over time it would be strong and able to perform harder work without exhibiting any pain afterwards. The brain works the same way. The unused parts of the brain begin overtime to degenerate or stop functioning at peak capacity. If we do require an increase in function from an area not normally utilized this can lead to dizziness or a headaches.
Another interesting finding is that lost functions of an area of damaged brain tissue can actually be taken over by another part of the brain -think of the loss of sight in one eye and the other eye's strength becomes heightened to compensate.
The ever growing method of brain training/fitness is through the use of computer games. Brain Age (for the Nintendo), The Posit Science Program and Fastforword are just a few examples of software available today - Google them for more information.
So why does HOME Senior Care concern itself with brain function? Simply, we are living longer due to medicine and various inventions and equipment (the refrigerator? - look it up). Advances in technology have taken over many of the more dangerous jobs.
That all said, as our minds age, as do our bodies, we need to maximize their longevity. If we can ward off forgetfulness, Alzheimer's and Dementia though a daily regime of mind exercise, then we should give it a try. Also, games for the mind are actually fun for all ages.
Finally, cannot forget one important link. mind exercise works in conjunction with physical exercise. With physical exercise we increase blood flow and oxygen intake. With this our minds receive a steadier faster stream of the chemicals it needs to perform at its best.
So, as HOME Senior Care grows it will continue to research and provide seniors in the Halifax area opportunities to Exercise the mind. We want to do more. We want to help seniors every way we can.
For a really good read on plasticity of the brain we recommend the book, "The Brain That Changes Itself" by Norman Doidger, M.D.
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