Brain exercise programs are very lucrative for those who design them, but a recent study shows that brain exercises do squat for the elderly.
In recent trials, there have been no improvements in cognitive ability as a result of regular brain exercising.
The goal of these exercises is to boost the focus and memory of those who practice, as well as combating neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
The idea is that the brain can be exercised and strengthened just like the body. But for some reason, the brain exercisers that bring in revenues of $80 million a year are not working.
If these don’t work, what does?
So brain exercises do not work. What should you do instead? Try actual exercising. Though there are tons of supplements, brain exercise programs and multimedia that hope to help folks exercise their brains, do you want to know what research has really consistently shown to work?
Exercise has been shown to increase the number of chemicals that increase the growth of healthy brain cells. Exercise also increases blood flow to the brain. This allows more oxygen and nutrients to feed the brain cells, helping them stay energetic.
What does exercise do for the brain?
Exercise has been shown to improve attention and concentration in older adults. Physically fit people have been shown to maintain more grey matter in between their ears as they age. Exercise promotes the creation of new nerve cells. Finally, exercise has been shown to strengthen synapses.
This is believed to occur through the same molecular mechanism that underlies memory formation. An aged brain can slowly develop into that of a healthy brain if exercise is done regularly. In fact, in recent studies, those individuals who practice treadmill exercise chronically started to develop the brains of those who are younger.
What else helps strengthen a brain?
Healthy choices such as balanced nutrition, anti-oxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and sleep are all found to keep the entire body healthy including the brain. Also, a generally positive attitude has been shown to keep the brain strong.
Research has shown that mentally healthy aging adults tune into positive thoughts more than unhealthy aging adults. Even though, brain exercises do not keep your brain exercised, learning and social engagement have been found to keep the brain sharp.
What weakens the brain?
Drinking, smoking and both medicinal and illicit drugs can wreck havoc on the brain. Isolation is also terrible for the brain, as is the belief that you are incapable of learning anything new due to your age.
