Use it or Lose it!

Boost Your Brainpower

Do you sometimes feel as if your brain is running on empty? Here's how to keep it in shape so you can pump up your problem solving abilities, fight forgetfulness and think more clearly and creatively:

Focus your attention

To help remember "where": If you tend to misplace your car keys, for example, say to yourself, "I'm placing the keys on the shelf by the hallway mirror." To help remember "when" Note the weather, the day's headline news or what you're wearing at the time of performing a task.

Practice Mentally

Studies of athletes indicate that imagining a tennis serve or ski run between competitions can boost performance. Possible reason: Mental rehearsals may build mental "muscle" by sparking the brain connections needed during the real thing.

Use it or lose it

Research suggests that as you age, you can reverse a decline in thinking abilities by becoming more mentally active. Smart moves: Learn a new language, study a new subject, play games like checkers, and do crosswords and other puzzles.

Keep Fit

Evidence shows that people in their 70s and 80s who stay healthy can expand their brainpower-and easily match the mental abilities of a 30-year-old. Helpful: Keep physically active, manage stress and maintain a positive attitude.

More mental muscle builders: Read more; eat more fruits and vegetables; use rhymes and acronyms to help remember facts and names.

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Comment by Dede on December 22, 2009 at 12:36am: Robin, I met my boyfriend's aunt a few weeks ago. Sadly, she has Alzheimers. She is only 64 and has had it for a number of years. She was a very intelligent, energetic lady.
Hopefully, they are getting closer to prevention and a better treatment!!

Comment by Robin Ghilino on December 22, 2009 at 12:24am: We have to keep our minds sharp. Alzheimer disease is catching on earlier and earlier, I read about one in there late 40's and 50's, noone is sure what is causing it, but if we keep up to date on prevention we can fight and prevent this and other disease's before they ever strike. My interest comes from my dad being diagnosed at 68 with Alzheimer's, so it is real close to home for me.

Yours in Health,
Happy Holidays!

Comment by Dede on December 21, 2009 at 7:11pm: Thanks Robin for this very important post! I don't have the best memory but am working on it. I try to focus more and repeat things to myself to reinforce what I am attempting to store in my somewhat scattered mind lol.

You are so right... STRESS does detract from remembering. Please everyone, try to find ways to destress. If you have read some of my post about the negative results over overstressing and over work, you will realize how important it is to take care of not only your body, but your mind and emotions!!!!

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