Challenge The Brain
By Lynn Serper

It’s hard to believe that until about 10 years ago there was a universal certainty that after the age of 30, the brain was irrevocably fixed and that brain function operated on a downward slope. This belief was troubling for people and families who were aging and for those who were dealing with brain illness or injury. People who were receiving discouraging medical prognoses were left without hope.

There were, however, some scientists who were curious about positive changes that were observed when an older animal or human continued to learn new things.

Although it wasn’t until a number of these scientists used newly developed technological instruments and conducted research on the active brain that the observations were identified as fact.

The brain is not static or irrevocably fixed. In fact, it is quite adaptable. From these investigations, a movement toward encouraging older individuals to embrace learning came about.

Added to these findings, more recently there have been observations and a few studies indicating that people with cognitive loss who were engaged in social and cognitive experiences showed a slower or halted cognitive decline.

Overall, whether we’re talking about animals or humans, when a brain is challenged, the cells within it get stronger and grow new connections.

For example, in 1874, Charles Darwin found that rabbits who lived in the wild and foraged to survive had brains that were larger than those rabbits that lived in family homes with lots of care.

It wasn’t until 125 years later that studies showed that human brains can be strengthened if they are challenged with learning and experiences.

Rather than foraging in the woods, however, there are less demanding ways to give the brain a mental workout – and with physical activity, too!

Participating in social engagements and spending time with others is actually great brain stimulation. And if you take a walk together, that’s even better!

When you get home, play a board game or a card game with friends, family or the younger set. The brain will be very happy.

Lastly, if you don’t like physical exercise, go ballroom dancing. It’s been shown to be the best brain exercise around.

Start your own personal mental fitness buffet. It’s important to get on the brain healthy track, whether you’re aging in a healthy way or aging with cognitive loss.

Caring for the body with cognitively stimulating lifestyles will preserve cognitive function for the healthy brain cells.

As long as you’re alive, there are lots of healthy brain cells just waiting for attention from you.

About The Author

Lynn Lazarus Serper, EdD, is president of Brain Enhancement Services, Inc., and founder of The Serper Method™, a nationally recognized workbook program for brain enrichment. She can be reached by email at lynnserper@ serpermethod.com, or by telephone at (800) 240-3778.