We are a society that spends a lot of time and money training our bodies, but what about our Brain. We certainly do a lot of physical training, how about Brain Training. We can all agree this is a nation that feeds our bodies well, but what about our brain. In some cases we let Brain Drain occur then were forced to pay attention.

The brain has an enormous capacity for calculation, reasoning and memory. Our brain is monitoring daily bodily functions were not even aware of to maintain body balance for survival. None of our senses would have meaning without our brain. The sensoritory system provides feedback to us requiring some sort of action So why do we exclude our brain when we train other parts of our body?

The field of neuroscience is just beginning to understand some of the physiological foundations of how we learn. Neurons are cells specially adapted to communicate with each other. Everything we experience is reflected in the brain by neurons which communicate to form what are called neural networks. Changing, strengthening and creating new neural networks tends to get more difficult with age. There are studies connecting dementia with certain cholesterol drugs which lower cholesterol, but starve the brain from getting the HDL it needs.

As we age we get brain stagflation and tend to slip into inactivity. We must be aware our brain needs training and exercise more than ever due to the natural deterioration that takes place. The following are a few general changes that occur in our brain as we age:

• Brain mass shrinks
• Outer surface thins
• White matter decreases
• Chemical messengers decrease

The sooner we include our brain in a training program the better.

As with any part of the body the brain has it's share of diseases too. Contributors to the natural aging process are, drugs, stress, toxins and habits.

The following are specific brain diseases:

• Alzheimer - this disease is the most common form of dementia, and it is among the most feared of all illnesses.
• Parkinson - this disease is a movement disorder that occurs when brain cells that make the chemical messenger called dopamine die over time.
• Stroke - or “brain attack,” occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—is a rare condition in which nerve cells in parts of the brain die, leading to loss of muscle movement control.
• Huntington’s disease - is a rare inherited condition that causes involuntary movements, severe emotional disturbances, and a decline in mental functions.

Alliance for Aging Research

Tel: (202) 293-2856

Fax: (202) 785-8574

www.agingresearch.org

The ALS Association Tel: (800) 782-4747 Fax: (818) 880-9006 www.alsa.org

Alzheimer's Association

800-272-3900

312-335-1110 fax

www.alz.org

Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center

800-438-4380

301-495-3334 fax

www.alzheimers.org

American Chronic Pain Association

Tel: (916) 632-0922

Fax: (916) 632-3208

www.theacpa.org

So we now understand why we should and what happens if we don't exercise our brain, what's next? What methods do we use to do brain training and how do we maintain brain fitness. Here are a few ideas to start your brain training workout:

• Challenge - experiences which typically push the brain to grow (or at least not shrink as fast).
• Exercise - not only good for your body but your head as well. Regular aerobic exercise is even capable of stimulating the formation of new neurons.
• Relax - find ways (deep breathing, meditation) to reduce stress, the hormones are damaging to the brain.
• Diet - your metabolism is changing, we need all the good oxygen and blood to the brain we can get.
• Brain Guard - T.V., news, guard against the junk you are exposing you brain to, this not only triggers emotions but can disturb sleep. Your brain is a recorder that can playback anytime, we forget what our brain takes in affects our attitude and emotions good or bad.
• Brain Games - Such that are offered by Lumosity.These games are specifically designed to improve brain memory, alertness and concentration. Another benefit is you can try it Free for a 7-day Free trial.

Lumosity users have experienced:

• Clearer and quicker thinking
• Improved memory for names, numbers, directions, etc.
• Increased alertness and awareness
• Elevated mood
• Better concentration at work or while driving

Don't forget you have a 7-day Free trial offer, try it out.

Now after all this there should be no reason at the age of 100 we shouldn't be hubbing with the clarity and enthusiasm as we are now. What did I just say? I forgot why I'm writing this, Oh Oh I better start brain training the short term memory is going........