Published: January 1, 2010
© iStockphoto
A topic very much of the moment (and one that I’m sure will feature often in 2010) ” How to train the Aging Brain”
It’s maddening and, sorry to say, not all that unusual for a brain at middle age: I don’t just forget whole books, but movies I just saw, breakfasts I just ate, and the names, oh, the names are awful. Who are you?
Brains in middle age, which, with increased life spans, now stretches from the 40s to late 60s, also get more easily distracted. Start boiling water for pasta, go answer the doorbell and — whoosh — all thoughts of boiling water disappear. Indeed, aging brains, even in the middle years, fall into what’s called the default mode, during which the mind wanders off and begin daydreaming.
Baby boomers are getting older. Now the slow realization is that we’re not going to live forever (speaking as an ageing boomer). But the brain as we age gets better at recognising the big picture and as Barbara Strauch suggests in this article
If kept in good shape, the brain can continue to build pathways that help its owner recognize patterns and, as a consequence, see significance and even solutions much faster than a young person can. link to read this article
Source: The New York Times
Published: November 16, 2009
This morning the Boston Globe takes a look at brain training software.The quest to stop the brain drain takes a look at this growth industry.
From the moment he test-drove the brain game, Ed Johnson was riveted.
The word teasers flashing on his computer screen seemed tuned to his personal abilities. And the accompanying voice track prodded or consoled – “it actually congratulates you,’’ he said – based on his answers.
Now, the 92-year-old former management executive, an engineer by training and crossword puzzler by hobby, is scheduling computer time for fellow residents at the Fox Hill Village retirement community in Westwood. The facility just purchased a couple of these newfangled brain games and residents are lining up for 20-minute sessions. link to continue reading
We also featured this topic in our latest Psychobabble “Can you teach an old dog new tricks“?
Source: Boston Globe
Published: November 10, 2009
This month Psychobabble looks at how we can stay mentally sharp as we age:
Can you teach an old dog new tricks
Link to read more Psychobabble
Published: October 16, 2009
Alzheimer’s disease is a most terrifying disease; it strips those who have it of their dignity and independence. Even though I haven’t worked with the elderly for over 20 years, my opinion of this horrible disease has not changed in the slightest. What has changed? Well …. I am ageing, and before me the prospect looms (much closer now) of my own risk for dementia, and along with this an increasing desire to do whatever I can to side-step this disease.
Many people seem to share my fear, and perhaps this is one of the reasons why there has been a boom in the sale of brain training products worldwide? Millions of people regularly play brain training games, in the belief that they will improve their cognitive skills. The theory behind Brain Training seems to make sense: regularly exercising the brain with tests and puzzles can improve brain skills and help people become better at everyday thinking tasks.
Given the above, I was delighted to receive a copy of The Big Brain Puzzle Book  for review. The book, which has been endorsed by the Alzheimer’s Association, features over 200 puzzles from the internationally-syndicated puzzle writer Terry Stickles. I have found this book to be challenging and enjoyable; and when I fail a puzzle, I even find it irritating 😉  The fact that it is presented in an easily readable large type and a pleasing layout is an added bonus 🙂 ……….Dr. O
Here are some of examples of the puzzles:
Puzzles: ©Terry Stickles 2009 (reproduced with permission) Originally published in ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE BIG BRAIN PUZZLE BOOK”
