Exercise may slow down the brain's aging by 10 years Physical activity has countless health benefits, including helping to keep the mind sharp. Now new research reveals just how much of an impact exercise can have on brain health as we age. The study, published today in the online issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, found that older adults who reported either light or no exercise at all experienced a cognitive decline equal to 10 more years of aging when compared to people who were moderate to intense exercisers. "The number of people over the age of 65 in the United States is on the rise, meaning the public health burden of thinking and memory problems will likely grow," study author Dr. Clinton B. Wright, of the University of Miami, said in a statement. Wright and his team examined health data on almost 900 adults with an average age of 71. An average of seven years later, each subject took tests evaluating memory and thinking skills and got a brain MRI.
[WEB] The Importance of Staying Socially Active as We Age | Charlesgate July 20, 2017 As we grow older, keeping connected with family and friends continues to be critically important to our overall well-being. Several studies have shown that people who are more social get sick less and have healthier minds. However, the older we get, the more our opportunities for socialization start to decline. Make socializing a priority Now that you know the importance of socializing, it needs to be something you actively pursue. Join a support group There are thousands of groups across the country that get together for the purpose of providing support and camaraderie. Volunteer Volunteering for a cause you believe in not only introduces you to new people, it provides people with a sense of purpose. Get a pet Meaningful connection doesn’t have to be with another human to be beneficial. Go online If physical limitations make it difficult for you to leave home to connect with other people, do the next best thing – spend time with them online! Practice mindful meditation
The Non-Alzheimer’s Causes Of Memory Loss As we and our loved ones age, it’s reasonable to occasionally forget things—we all do it at some points. However, memory loss, which is defined as “unusual forgetfulness” in both short-term and long-term functions, is not. Memory loss is often automatically associated with Alzheimer’s disease, a medical issue that impacts over five million Americans every year. “The indications are that, in the absence of disorders due to trauma or neurological disease, the human brain has the capacity to store almost unlimited amounts of information indefinitely,” one site dedicated to memory loss stated. These outside forces can include trauma from a severe brain injury or a slow degrading of the brain’s ability to function due to drug abuse or diseases like Alzheimer’s. But to first understand what types of non-Alzheimer’s causes of memory loss are out there, we must first understand what Alzheimer’s is. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Other Forms of Dementia
Eight Habits That Improve Cognitive Function The New York Times recently published an article about the "brain fitness" business, "Do Brain Workouts Work? Science Isn’t Sure." I believe the answer is no. Without a variety of other daily habits, these "brain-training" games cannot stave off mental decline or dramatically improve cognitive function. Most of these brain-training games will have some benefits, but it's impossible to optimize brain connectivity and maximize neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) sitting in a chair while playing a video game on a two-dimensional screen. In order to give your brain a full workout, you need to engage both hemispheres of the cerebrum, and of the cerebellum. article continues after advertisement Although the cerebellum constitutes only 10 percent of the brain by volume, it houses over 50 percent of the brain's total neurons. Brain-Training Games Increase Sedentary Screen Time I slightly disagree. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. "Sleep is not just a waste of time," Yuka Sasaki concludes. 8.
[Journal] Effects of Cognitive Training Interventions With Older Adults Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory Memory loss: 7 tips to improve your memory Try these simple ways to improve your memory. By Mayo Clinic Staff Can't find your car keys? Forget your grocery list? Although there are no guarantees when it comes to preventing memory loss or dementia, some activities might help. 1. Physical activity raises blood flow to the whole body, including the brain. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, such as jogging. 2. Just as physical activity keeps your body in shape, activities that engage your mind help keep your brain in shape. 3. Social interaction helps ward off depression and stress. 4. You're more likely to forget things if your home is cluttered or your notes are in disarray. Limit distractions. 5. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to memory loss. 6. A healthy diet is good for your brain. 7. Jan. 05, 2023
How to reduce the risk of cognitive decline with age Research into how we can keep our brains healthy as we age has gained momentum in recent years. There is now an increased focus on the changes that we can makes to our health and lifestyle, which may prevent dementia. Here are some things that research has shown reduce a person’s risk of cognitive decline with age. Sex Our latest study shows that having more sex is associated with better cognitive function. We recruited 28 men and 45 women, aged between 50 and 83, to take part in our study. The association could be the result of the heightened levels of intimacy and companionship inherent in sexual relationships (that is, an increase in social contact), or there could be a purely biological explanation – where regular surges in arousal and release of sex-related hormones (such as oxytocin and dopamine) could be affecting brain function. Sleep Many studies show that getting enough sleep is important for preventing cognitive decline. Active leisure Gender equality Get an early (in life) start
[WEB] The Top 5 Reasons Seniors Should Stay Socially Active Creating social relationships and connecting with other people is a huge part of what shapes us throughout our lives. Whether you are introverted or extroverted, maintaining a socially active lifestyle can impact your mental, physical and emotional well-being. In fact, staying engaged in social interactions can be just as effective as exercise in improving your mood and overall health. Social wellness refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. The way in which we develop genuine relationships with others to create nurturing and supportive connections can present many health benefits throughout our lives. Some of the benefits of being socially active as a senior include: Reduces risk for mental health issues. Improves physical health. Increases longevity. Avoiding isolation and loneliness. Creates a sense of belonging. Western Home Communities offers a variety of social activities to enrich the lives of seniors.
Signs & Symptoms of Memory Loss - Memory Problems Memory Problems Signs and Symptoms Memory problems can vary in severity and cause different types of signs and symptoms. Common symptoms associated with memory loss include the following: Confabulation (i.e., invented memories or real memories recalled out of sequence) Confusion Depression Difficulty handling day-to-day affairs, such as balancing a checkbook, keeping appointments, or preparing meals Forgetting people, facts, and events that were previously known well Getting lost and misplacing items Increased difficulty in following directions or taking a step-by-step approach to a familiar task Irritability Language difficulties, such as mixing up words or trouble remembering a word Neurological disorders (e.g., tremors, uncoordinated movements) Poor performance on memory tests Repeating the same stories and/or questions Complications of Memory Problems Many patients with memory problems need assistance from friends, family members, or home health aides.
10 Major Signs of Cognitive Issue in Elderly The natural aging process is impossible to avoid, but its effects go beyond fine lines and wrinkles on our skin. As we age, our body goes through a number of changes and our brain isn’t the exception. Our cognitive abilities tend to decline with age, which is why it is difficult to spot signs of major cognitive issues in elderly as they often interpreted as natural part of life. What are the signs of cognitive decline in older adults? Scroll down to find out how to spot these issues in your loved ones. What Is Cognitive Impairment In The Elderly? Cognitive impairment in the elderly has a number of causes ranging from medication side effects to depression and neurodegenerative disorders. Cognitive impairment in the elderly has a number of signs and symptoms. 1. No, we are not talking about a processing speed of a computer or your smartphone, but a cognitive ability. 2. Attention is the ability to focus and concentrate on specific stimuli. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Conclusion Advertisement
[WEB] 7 Mind Stimulating Activities & Cognitive Games for Seniors | Sonas Just as physical exercise strengthens and trains our bodies, cognitive training and exercise stimulates the brain, helping it grow and develop new connections as we age. The more we challenge the mind (through various forms of mental exercise), the better it is at processing information. As family caregivers, we want to be sure our loved ones remain healthy in every aspect – including their mental health. 7 Mind Stimulating Activities & Cognitive Games for Seniors There are a lot of different reasons that your elderly loved one might have cognitive issues, but keeping their brain active and engaged can help to make sure that you slow down that deterioration. The following mind stimulating activities provide ways to keep seniors sharp, helping to improve memory, problem-solving, creativity, and other cognitive functions. 1. Word games serve as effective and fun ways to engage the mind. Look for books that have larger print and that are geared toward a younger vocabulary if you can. 2. 3. 4.
Memory screening for those who keep forgetting things, Health News Being forgetful can simply be a reflection of ageing - but it can also spell something more sinister. It may, for instance, point to a heightened risk of getting dementia down the line. People who have memory- related or cognitive problems - such as in making decisions or judging the steps needed to carry out a complex task - may benefit from a memory screening test. Memory screening is like a health check-up for the brain. It can help uncover the possible reasons behind difficulties associated with remembering things and other cognitive functions, said Dr Kinjal Doshi, principal clinical psychologist at the neurology department of the Singapore General Hospital (SGH). Memory screening is usually done in hospitals. Give your brain a workout1 Learn something completely new: You can pick up a new language or musical instrument. It may be carried out by specialists or trained nurses, and its cost will be part of the consultation fee, Dr Kinjal added. Anyone aged 18 and above can be screened.
Training and Maintaining Memory Abilities in Healthy Older Adults: Traditional and Novel Approaches | The Journals of Gerontology: Series B We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website.By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. <a href=" Find out more</a> Skip to Main Content Search Close Advanced Search Search Menu Article Navigation Volume 62 Issue Special_Issue_1 1 June 2007 Article Contents Training and Maintaining Memory Abilities in Healthy Older Adults: Traditional and Novel Approaches George W. Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar George W. Michelle C. Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Michelle C. Jessica B. Oxford Academic PubMed Google Scholar Jessica B. The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, Volume 62, Issue Special_Issue_1, 1 June 2007, Pages 53–61, Published: 01 June 2007 Issue Section: Research article Collaborative Training