A new and growing body of research is seeking preventative factors against the development of dementia. Researchers are finding that lifelong learning, advanced education and exercise help to protect the aging brain. Previous research in animals has shown that exercise can create new neural connections! Researcher's Willis and Schai suggest that 10% to 15% of people aged 46 to 60 begin to show significant declines, while another 10% - 15% show significant gains.
A common factor that contributes to cognitive decline in midlife is hypertension. In addition, the brain becomes smaller in individuals who exhibited cognitive decline. Willis and Schai's study also demonstrates that 25% of middle-aged adults that exhibit a decrease in reasoning skills exhibit further decline by age 75.
Researcher Lachman reported her findings and found that individuals who believe they have greater control over their lives both mentally and physically, are more likely to be happy and in good health. This sense of control is correlated to better memory and intellectual functioning overall. The explanation is that individuals that have a sense of control over their lives are more likely to be proactive about their situations in finding alternate strategies that compensate for memory lapses or physical decline.
In summary, the aphorism of "Use it, or lose it" bears true. Individuals that engage in mentally stimulating activities and exercise create new neurons which may compensate for cognitive decline.
For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us online at Association for Compassionate Transformation.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Brain Protection Against Dementia
A new and growing body of research is seeking preventative factors against the development of dementia. Researchers are finding that lifelong learning, advanced education and exercise help to protect the aging brain. Previous research in animals has shown that exercise can create new neural connections! Researcher's Willis and Schai suggest that 10% to 15% of people aged 46 to 60 begin to show significant declines, while another 10% - 15% show significant gains.
A common factor that contributes to cognitive decline in midlife is hypertension. In addition, the brain becomes smaller in individuals who exhibited cognitive decline. Willis and Schai's study also demonstrates that 25% of middle-aged adults that exhibit a decrease in reasoning skills exhibit further decline by age 75.
Researcher Lachman reported her findings and found that individuals who believe they have greater control over their lives both mentally and physically, are more likely to be happy and in good health. This sense of control is correlated to better memory and intellectual functioning overall. The explanation is that individuals that have a sense of control over their lives are more likely to be proactive about their situations in finding alternate strategies that compensate for memory lapses or physical decline.
In summary, the aphorism of "Use it, or lose it" bears true. Individuals that engage in mentally stimulating activities and exercise create new neurons which may compensate for cognitive decline.
For more information, please contact Dr. Drecun at Dr.Drecun@a4ct.com or visit us online at Association for Compassionate Transformation.
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