Multi-Tasking Troubles: Another Early Alzheimer’s Symptom
Recently, I’ve written about how problems with money management and visual & spatial skills can be very early indicators of the onset of Alzheimer’s. Another new study ads multi-tasking troubles to the list.
At the University of Edinburgh, a team of researchers have found that Alzheimer’s patients perform significantly poorly on tests of simultaneous tasks. The 89 participants in the study were divided into three groups – healthy older adults, Alzheimer’s patients, and adults with chronic depression (a condition which early stages of Alzheimer’s can sometimes mimic, causing a misdiagnosis).
Add comment November 10, 2009
Nonsense: Could It Be Good For The Brain?
Our brains are wired to recognize patterns. We see them in faces, in written words, in numbers. The patterns we learn become part of our neural network, literally wiring them into our brain, and from there, they help interpret the world around us, and guide our reactions to what we observe.
But sometimes, our experiences just don’t fit those known patterns. We might run across, say, a kangaroo hopping down Elm street, or a boat perched up in a tree – things that just don’t fit our knowledge of how the world is arranged. Our response is usually to feel uncomfortable and disoriented; sometimes we laugh, sometimes we feel fear, and our response can range from mild to extreme. .
1 comment November 5, 2009
7 Keys To Brain Fitness: A Quick Review
It’s been a while since we went over the underlying concept of this weblog – seven “keys” that unlock brain fitness; I think it’s time for a review! After all, the more often we repeat information, the more entrenched it becomes in our memory. So here goes!
The Three Activity Keys
Physical Activity:
Moderate, regular physical activity has some surprising effects for the brain; it stimulates chemicals that act almost like fertilizer in the brain, causing the growth of new brain cells! Exercise also improves blood flow in the brain, increasing the oxygen and nutrients available, as well as reducing toxins. Combine these direct effects with the benefits to the heart, lungs, and over all health, and its clear that if you’re looking for a basic brain-boosting activity, start with a daily walk or other exercise!
Add comment November 3, 2009
Think Old Age = Poor Memory? Think Again, For Your Own Memory’s Sake
Stereotypes about seniors and poor memory are cemented in our cultural views - so strongly cemented that even young people jokingly refer to misplaced car keys as “senior moments”.
But buying into these stereotypes may help make them reality, according to research from North Carolina State University.
The study found that seniors who believe older adults have poorer memories and would perform poorly on memory tests did, indeed, perform poorly, while seniors who didn’t believe that aging and failing minds are connected did significantly better on the same test.
Add comment October 29, 2009
Of Art, Alzheimer’s & Neuroplasticity
Alzheimer’s disease tragically destroys functions in the brain, hindering access to memory, language, and communication skills. But sometimes, unexpected creativity can blossom in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
They may find self expression in abstract arrangements of found objects, like Josephine Mickow (who, sadly, passed away in her daughter’s arms this month), or benefit from more formalized programs that take them to museums, or classes that help them paint, draw, or sculpt.
Add comment October 27, 2009
Doodling: Yet Another Unexpected Brain Boost!
We’ve all done it… scribbled absently in the margins of a book, on backs of envelopes, even on our hands. Doodling has long been assumed to be evidence of boredom, daydreaming and distraction, but new evidence suggests that it may actually help the brain be able to focus, and provide our brain functions with an extra boost of attention.
Over at Plymouth University, 40 people were asked to listen to a two and a half minute recorded phone call – a rather dull list of names and places. Afterwards, they were asked to write down as many of them as they could remember.
Add comment October 22, 2009
Googling The Internet: An Unexpected Brain Boost?
When my Grandfather first learned to run a computer, he was fascinated. And when he found out how to hook it up to the Internet and use Google, it was even better – as if he suddenly had the world’s largest library available at his fingertips. We all knew it was good for him, and kept him interested in life and learning, and it was great to see his interest sparked so brightly.
But what we didn’t know was that learning to navigate and search the Internet likely made significant and positive changes in his brain – possibly helping to keep him clear minded and sharp.
Add comment October 20, 2009
Power Naps: A Sleep Solution
The brain needs sleep for good cognitive function – skimping on your nightly Zzzz’s for even one night can affect your focus and memory, and scientists 
have recently drawn a link between ongoing sleep deprivation and the development of Alzheimer’s plaques.
But no matter how important it may be, insomnia troubles many of us, and life’s schedules and health problems don’t always allow for a full and restful night’s sleep. As we age, many of us experience trouble getting enough rest.
One solution? Power Naps – an idea that even NASA is on board with. (more…)
1 comment October 15, 2009
Memory Isn’t The First To Go: More Early Warnings of Alzheimer’s
Last week, I mentioned a study about money management troubles as an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease. This week, there’s information on what may be an even earlier detectible change in cognitive processes – problems with visual and spatial skills.
Visuospatial functions allow us to judge where objects are in relation to one another (and to ourselves) – they’re what tell us that the glass of tea is behind and to the right of the plate our sandwich is sitting on, and what tells us how fast and how far away the oncoming traffic is. They also allow us to picture them in our heads, so we can draw mental maps, rotate jigsaw puzzle pieces to fit together, even recognize faces. Spatial skills are crucial for our day to day lives, and fairly easy to measure with simple tests.
And new research suggests these skills may be the first to go, as Alzheimer’s develops. (more…)
Add comment October 13, 2009
Brain Healthy Foods: Six Simple Snacks
Healthy eating is a big part of keeping your brain fit. It provides the energy you need for clear thinking, the nutrients for building, protecting and even repairing your neural network of brain cells. And by choosing healthy snacks, you can prevent blood glucose roller-coasters that is associated with memory problems. So what’s healthy, and what’s not? Here are a few suggestions:
1. Go Nuts
Nuts make excellent snacks, each variety providing a different brain-boosting mix of nutrients. Walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, pecans…. all of them benefit the brain in a variety of ways, providing protein, Omega-3’s, and more. A handful of them a day is a great addition to the diet (but watch out for the overly salted mixes, and don’t over indulge; nuts are high in fats)
1 comment October 9, 2009
