I finally got a chance to start reading this book: The Mature Mind
On page 8 it lists these factors, repeated over time, as being responsible for the decline of brain function….. not age itself
- stress
- excessive drug and alcohol abuse
- inactivity
- smoking
- obesity
- malnutrition
- social isolation
Interestingly, many Americans these days have issues with several if not all of these factors. I have also seen these factors in lists of things that shorten people’s life spans. It looks like in addition to killing ourselves we are making ourselves dumber.
I read in the book that new brain cells and new connections can happen throughout life. Brain power, new talents, and new skills can be developed up until death. I have seen many of those “build your brainpower” books over the years, but this book is based on scientific research which lists these 5 things which have been proven to boost brain power as well as reduce the risk of dementia:
- Learning something challenging
- Aerobic, rhythmic exercise
- Mastering something
- Pick challenging leisure activities
- Dancing
- Playing board games
- Playing a musical instrument
- Doing crossword puzzles
- Reading
- Establish strong social networks