There's more and more evidence that engaging in stimulating activities throughout your life can deeply affect how you age.
Dr.
Yakov Stern of Columbia University is one of the leading proponents of the so-called Cognitive Reserve Theory.
Simply put, it says that an active, stimulating life tends to build extra reserves of neurons in the brain that can be used to offset any negative effects of age-related deficits caused by Alzheimer's or other syndromes that attack our brain as we age.
The idea of reserves has been around since a study done in 1989 showed that people who had the standard physical signs of Alzheimer's (shown by autopsy) had not behaved as if they had the disease.
Their brain weights were also higher than normal.
The conclusion was that these people had more working neurons to fall back on when some were affected by Alzheimer's.
So, what does all that mean? It seems to indicate that the more we use or exercise our mental engine, the stronger it gets and the more resistant it is to attack - just like the other parts our bodies.
So if you don't have any stimulating hobbies and find yourself feeling like you're slowing down, it's time to get with it.
Find something to keep those brain circuits engaged and healthy.
Reading and social interactions like visiting friends have been shown to have very positive effects on maintaining good cognitive function.
Physical exercise also plays a key role.
Even walking every day can make a difference.
In fact, there's new evidence that physical exercise actually promotes the growth of new neurons in the brain.
All the evidence is pointing to the conclusion that activity counts.
If you're heading into couch potato land, you might want to re-consider that decision.
Finally, the experts also say it's never too late to start.
Dr.
Yakov Stern of Columbia University is one of the leading proponents of the so-called Cognitive Reserve Theory.
Simply put, it says that an active, stimulating life tends to build extra reserves of neurons in the brain that can be used to offset any negative effects of age-related deficits caused by Alzheimer's or other syndromes that attack our brain as we age.
The idea of reserves has been around since a study done in 1989 showed that people who had the standard physical signs of Alzheimer's (shown by autopsy) had not behaved as if they had the disease.
Their brain weights were also higher than normal.
The conclusion was that these people had more working neurons to fall back on when some were affected by Alzheimer's.
So, what does all that mean? It seems to indicate that the more we use or exercise our mental engine, the stronger it gets and the more resistant it is to attack - just like the other parts our bodies.
So if you don't have any stimulating hobbies and find yourself feeling like you're slowing down, it's time to get with it.
Find something to keep those brain circuits engaged and healthy.
Reading and social interactions like visiting friends have been shown to have very positive effects on maintaining good cognitive function.
Physical exercise also plays a key role.
Even walking every day can make a difference.
In fact, there's new evidence that physical exercise actually promotes the growth of new neurons in the brain.
All the evidence is pointing to the conclusion that activity counts.
If you're heading into couch potato land, you might want to re-consider that decision.
Finally, the experts also say it's never too late to start.