Page 25 - Mid Valley Times 12-5-19 E-edition

Thursday, December 5, 2019 | B11 | Mid Valley TiMes
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Brain Games Improves Memory?
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We have been told that “brain games” like crosswords, chess and computer games will help keep dementia away. But can they help improve memory?
Many of us have heard this concept
and have taken up the challenge to work on Sudoku, crossword puzzles, computer games or card games. ese games give us enjoyment and a feel- ing of accomplishment as we are successful in
Now What?
completing the task on hand; but is it improv- ing our mind as well?
Dr. Julie Brody- Magid, clinical director of the Memory Disor- ders Assessment clinic at Harvard-a liate McLean Hospital states,“the research so far has not found that participating in these various brain games alone will reduce your risk of dementia.” She believes these games may help with improv-
screening for men under age 50 with a family history of colon cancer or polyps. In addition, physicians may consider screen- ings for men under 50 who have a history of in ammatory bowel disease.
Cholesterol
e USNLM advises men to have their cho- lesterol levels checked every ve years. Men with certain condi- tions, such as diabetes
By Ro Linscheid
ing select brain skills and can play an im- portant role in main- taining overall brain health.
Brain games are de ned as any activ- ity that stimulates your thinking. It could be painting a picture, playing an instrument, learning a language, playing a board game, or any activity that takes some thought. While these activities are mentally stimulat- ing, their long-term bene ts are still being debated. Some studies found they may help delay dementia or slow its progression while other research has found no connection.
Brain games may
and heart disease, may need to be checked more often.
Diabetes
Diabetes screenings are recommended ev- ery three years for men age 45 and older. Men who are overweight and younger than 45 should ask their physi- cians if they should be screened before they reach 45.
Osteoporosis
Women are more
help sharpen certain thinking skills that tend to decrease with age. Skills such as the speed of thought pro- cessing, planning skills, reaction time, decision making and short- term memory. Another way brain games may help with memory is building up cogni-
tive reserve. Cognitive reserve is like a rainy day savings account
in your brain that you can store away and use when you need to do some quick thinking.
Based on current research the best way to build more cognitive reserve is to get regular exercise and stay physi- cally active. At least 150 minutes of moder- ate intensity exercise
likely to develop os- teoporosis than men, but that doesn’t mean men are immune to this condition marked by a weakening of the bones due to tissue loss. Fractures after
per week can improve blood ow to the hip- pocampus. e hip- pocampus is the region of the brain associated with memory storage. If you cannot do 150 minutes of exercise, doing some exercise is better than not ex- ercising at all. Brain games can expand the bene ts of exercise.
Researchers are encouraging us to use a combination of exer- cise and brain games or other activities with mental stimulus to keep our mental re- serves in good shape. ey encourage us to “try in multiple types of engagements.” Try new things to to exer- cise the brain. Doing the same things over
age 50, heavy alcohol use, smoking, and low body weight are some risk factors that can make men vulnerable to osteoporosis.
Health screenings can catch diseases and
and over does not keep the brain stimulated.
At Sierra View Homes Retirement
Community there are opportunities to work on both brain games through various ac- tivity programs and various social groups and physical activities through the Wellness Center.
We can start at any age to increase
our brain reserves. I encourage you to seek out ways to exercise regularly, to seek ac- tivities that challenge your brain and to keep trying something new. Sometimes you have
to push yourself out of your comfort zone, the bene ts are worth it.
other conditions in their early stages when they’re most treatable. Such screenings should be a vital part of men’s health routines.
RETIRED...
SCREENINGS
Continued from Previous Page
45. ere are pros and cons to prostate cancer screenings, and these should be part of men’s discussions with their physicians.
Colorectal cancer
All men between the ages of 50 and 75 should be screened for colorectal cancer. Physicians may rec- ommend colorectal
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