Video Games to Sharpen Your Mind

Have you ever heard that video games are a waste of time? I certainly have. But it turns out that might not be true. There is mounting evidence that some types of video games can actually make your mind stronger.

In a recent study appearing in Psychology and Aging, researchers found that when older adults play strategic video games, they make their memories work better and they improve their reasoning skills.

In this study adults age 69 or over with no history of playing video games were assigned into one of two groups. In one group, the participants played a strategic video game that involved a lot of planning and resource management. Participants in the second group didn't play video games at all.

Each participant took a mental skills test at the beginning of the study and again at the end. Those in the video game group showed improvement in their memory, reasoning ability, and in the ability to switch from one task to another. Those who didn't play video games did not show the same improvements.

To me, this study makes sense. There have been a number of studies over recent years that demonstrate the importance of challenging your mental abilities. While some video games are certainly mindless entertainment, there are many options that are very engaging and intellectually stimulating.

If you're looking for a way to increase your own mental sharpness, investing in a strategic video game isn't a bad way to go.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace

Keep Your Brain Cells Young and Beautiful

Do you want to slow down aging in your brain?

Who doesn't, right? A youthful, sharp mind means a better memory, better problem-solving abilities, and better clarity day-to-day.

New research shows that regular exercise is the best way to keep your brain cells young and healthy.

It works like this. Your brain, when you are young, produces new brain cells and quickly integrates them into your brain's neural network. As you get older, your brain isn't as good at producing new cells and when it does, those cells don't integrate as well.

In animal studies, researchers found that exercise increased new brain cell production two and half times. Not only that, but the new brain cells had better survival rates and were more likely to become an established part of the neural network.

Exercise was more effective when started at an earlier age, but it helps no matter what age you are.

If you want to keep your brain youthful and functioning at its best, you need to establish a regular workout routine. All it takes is a half hour a day of increased activity, so jump on your bike or your treadmill and get moving. If you need motivation, just remember, it's like a fountain of youth for your brain.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace

Don't Let Your Brain Shrink!

As you get older, one of the health dangers you face is a shrinking brain. When your brain gets smaller, you are more likely to suffer from cognitive decline, dementia, or Alzheimer's.

New research shows there may be a link between how much vitamin B12 you get, and how well your brain ages. In particular, people with low vitamin B12 levels tend to show more brain shrinkage as the get older. Even vitamin B12 levels that were at the low end of the normal range weren't good enough to protect the brain.

Vitamin B12 plays a number of roles in your body. It is crucial to your red blood cell production, and a good red blood cell count will make you feel better, more energetic, and less fatigued. Your body also uses B12 to make the protective covering for your nerves. This covering also allows your nerves to function properly, so it's very important. Cell replication, energy metabolism, and DNA production all require vitamin B12.

Unfortunately, as you get older, it gets harder for your body to absorb B12. It will also be more difficult for you to get adequate B12 if you regularly take antacid medication. Poor absorption leads to low B12 levels, and that will have a negative affect on your energy levels and your brain health.

You can get more B12 by eating more protein, but if your body has a problem with absorption, then a supplement is really the best way to go. A 50-mcg supplement is usually sufficient. The best way to be sure is to work with your doctor to make sure your B12 levels are where they should be.

Stay well,
Danny Wallace

Dancing Keeps You Sharp in More Ways Than One

I know dancing is about the least favorite pastime of a lot of men. I'm not sure if this is because it makes you feel awkward or if it's because your significant other has dragged you out dancing against your will one too many times.

Still, there are a number of studies out there that show dancing is really good for you… and it's not just the exercise. When you dance regularly you gain balance and strength. You also get to spend time with other people, and developing social connections is good for your mind and body. Finally, learning ballroom dances like the tango help keep dementia at bay and can improve your cognitive function.

In one recent study, researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease who took Tango lessons showed improvements in mobility and balance. The dance lessons helped them to learn to balance in different positions and to move in a variety of ways.

In a 2003 study of the effects of ballroom dancing on mental health, the results showed that people who ballroom dance are 63% less likely to develop dementia in any form.

Dance also helps fight depression. It builds a stronger bond between you and your partner. And it gives you the opportunity to meet new people and make friends.

People that dance are in better shape, they are happier with their lives, they have more friends, and their memories work better. I'd be willing to bet they have better sex lives, too.

So keep all that in mind next time your wife, girlfriend or life partner asks you to go dancing… and say yes with a smile!

Stay well,
Heather Robwell

A Youthful Brain Key to Aging Well

The field of anti-aging medicine has grown by leaps and bounds in the last decade. Not surprisingly, a good portion of research has focused on what you can do to keep your brain young and healthy.

There are a number of simple, fun ways to promote brain health and to stave off dementia and Alzheimer's. One of the most critical things you can do is make it a point to learn and do new things. Every time you spend time learning, your brain is forced to make new connections… and that helps to keep it young and sharp.

Recent research helps explain why this works. New neurons that form in the brain when you challenge it are more elastic and more energetic. These "youthful" neurons help to refresh your nervous system. In other words, they literally help keep your brain from aging.

There are many ways to take advantage of this, and all of them are fun. Here are just a few ideas:
• Learn a new game that you enjoy and find challenging. Play it with your spouse, your friends, or even your grandchildren. Chess, Checkers, Go, and Backgammon are all great options.
• Take up a new social hobby. When it comes to a youthful brain, the best activities combine physical, mental, and social stimulus. Group sports or couples dancing are great anti-aging activities.
• Do a crossword puzzle, a word scramble, or a sudoku puzzle. Your local paper most likely has at least one of these. If you don't take the paper, you can find free online versions to give your brain the challenge it craves.
• Go somewhere new. Whether it's a museum, an art gallery, a store you've never been to before, or a new town… going someplace new offers myriad opportunities for making new brain connections.

Essentially, when it comes to keeping your brain young, the best step you can take is to keep a youthful attitude and cultivate a willingness to try new things.

Stay well,
Meghan Krohn

Guilt-Free Coffee in the Morning

Do you enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning? If not, maybe you should. A recent study conducted by French researchers found that coffee protects the cognitive ability of women as they age.

Women who drink at least three cups of coffee each day are 30 percent less likely to develop memory problems by the time they are 65 than women who drink one cup or less. By the time a woman reaches 80, those three cups of java will have lowered her risks by 70 percent compared to women who don't drink coffee.

The researchers believe that the protective effect comes from a combination of factors. First, caffeine is a brain stimulant, which may help keep the brain functioning better. Second, coffee is rich in micronutrients. Finally, coffee also helps prevent the build up of the plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Now there are bound to be puritans out there who object to coffee based on the fact that it is a stimulant. It's also addictive—just ask any coffee lover how her head feels two hours into a coffee-free morning.

However, given its protective affects—this study is not the first lauding coffee for its health benefits—I say drink up.

A 70% reduction in dementia risks is a pretty powerful argument for savoring a first, second, and third cup of coffee in the morning.

Stay healthy,
Heather Robwell