Does Mental Exercise Really Make a Difference?

Have you heard the phrase, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Recent research appears to agree, although rather than an apple and a doctor, it's mental stimulation keeping cognitive declines away. A study published in the online journal Neurology outlines the research study that was conducted. The study measured cognitive performance over several years as 294 people aged and found that those who spent more time reading, writing and doing other cognitively stimulating activities demonstrated reduced signs of cognitive decline. Cognitive activity across the lifespan but specifically in the younger years and in late life was correlated with better cognitive performance in the oldest years of life. The average age of the participants in the study just prior to their deaths was 89 years old. The discussion in the study points out that this research, along with several other studies, seems to support the idea of cognitive reserve- that we can build up our brain's functioning, much like physical exercise builds up our bodies, and enable it to better perform later in life. I've written more about how cognitive reserve works, what active and passive cognitive reserve is, and if cognitive reserve can prevent Alzheimer's disease here: What Is Cognitive Reserve? Mental Exercise: 12 Ways to Stretch Your Brain 6 Tips to Improve Your Memory and Recall Reducing the Risk of Alzheimer's through Physical ExerciseDoes Mental Exercise Really Make a Difference? originally appeared on...
Source: About Alzheimers Disease - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news