WELLNESS CONNECTION · Life Balance

Top Ways to Train Your Brain

By Claudia Dunn, M.A., OTR/L, Director of Life Balance

October 04, 2011 - 10:00AM

How many of us have forgotten a name at some point or another? Or what about that tip-of-the-tongue syndrome, when you can�t quite retrieve the word you�re looking for? We�ve all been there. Most of us are concerned about staying sharp and vital as we age, keeping our competitive edge as time goes by. Studies show that cognitive decline, especially in its more extreme forms of dementia and Alzheimer�s disease, is the most feared disease in American, second only to cancer! In fact, at this point in time, there is a 50% percent chance that an older adult will eventually develop dementia. But it�s never too late to start taking action against brain aging. Try these simple tips & tricks!

3 Top Ways to Train your Brain:
� Seek Novelty � Take a new route to work, try a new cuisine, learn a new word a day and use it. This builds new pathways in the brain. Try using your non-dominant hand: If you�re right-handed, brush your teeth, dial your phone or use your computer mouse or remote control with your left hand, and vice versa. This creates �cognitive reserve,� a mental safety net.
� Switch your senses � Use a different sense than you usually would to do something. For example, unlock your front door lock with your eyes closed or get dressed in the dark. This strengthens the brain�s ability to search for new pathways, what neuroscientists call brain �plasticity.�
� Exercise, exercise and did I mention, exercise! � The brain thrives on oxygen and glucose. Its supply is increased when we get our blood pumping during vigorous cardiovascular exercise. Remember to increase the amount of water you�re drinking too. The brain is about 80% water and needs to stay hydrated to perform at its best. A happy fringe benefit: regular physical activity increases levels of Seratonin and Dopamine in the brain � chemicals that elevate our mood � keeping us engaged and energized.

We all want to feel we�re at the top of our game and are considered on the ball by those around us. So whether you�re starting to notice some subtle changes that you want to address or you�re at the top of your game and looking to take your cognitive performance to the next level, practicing these basic but powerful tools on a daily basis will help you stay sharp, even increase your cognitive health, and live life to the fullest!

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