Up & Coming Weekly

20 UCW FEBRUARY 10-16, 2010 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM The senior with a fading memory and a dull mind staring into space — how often has this negative stereo- type been associated with aging? Exciting research in recent years, however, points to new evidence that could dispel this misconception for good. For example, a study from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, revealed that individu- als with high brain reserve have a 46 percent decreased risk of dementia, compared to those with low brain reserve. Researchers found that warding off dementia often is a case of use it or lose it. Those who increase their brain reserves over their lifetime seem to lessen the risk of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The study also points out that even a late-life surge in mental activity can delay the effects of this ter- rible disease. One way to stimulate the mind and build up brain reserve is through activi- ties such as playing board games, reading, challenging card games like Bridge or Solitaire, scrapbooking, playing a musical instrument, or doing puzzles such as jigsaw, Sudoku or crossword. A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that people who participated in those activities were less likely to develop dementia than people who said they rarely or never engaged in those types of activities. Video games are also catching on with seniors. Nintendo's Wii Sports, an interactive sports game using a wireless controller, and Nintendo's Brain Age, featuring simple math and other activities, also received high marks from seniors and researchers. Sometimes seniors just need a little encouragement from fam- ily, friends and other caregivers to help them pursue interests that can keep their minds stimulated. Meeting new people and visiting new places also promote mental fitness and social interac- tion. Dr. Ronald Petersen, director of the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center stressed that regardless of the mind activities a senior gets involved with, it is important that the senior likes what they are doing. If they don't enjoy the activity, then it probably won't be beneficial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in collaboration with the Alzheimer's Association and other partners released The Healthy Brain Initiative: A National Public Health Road Map to Maintaining Cognitive Health. The goal is to establish cognitive health as a national public health priority. In this docu- ment, Marilyn Albert, PhD with Johns Hopkins Medical Institution stated: "If we maintain cognitive function over time, then we are more likely to be functionally independent." Maintaining independence is the number two concern expressed by seniors surpassed only by outliving their assets. So, remember use it or lose it. It's not too late. Read Up and Coming Weekly cover to cover and do the crossword puzzle. Or, get hooked on Sudoku or Solitaire or buy a paint by number kit. Play spades or Monopoly with your loved ones. You'll not only experience the imme- diate pleasure of spending quality time together, but you'll develop a healthier brain and help maintain your indepen- dence for a longer period of time. Use It or Lose It — Exercise Your Brain by MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY SENIOR CORNER SENIOR CORNER MARTHA OWEN & SUSAN GUY Contributing Writers COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or editor@upandcomingweekly.com Voted Fayetteville's Best Overall Restaurant Authentic Italian Cuisine Brick Fired NY Pizza Don't Forget To Make Your Don't Forget To Make Your Reservations For Valentine's Day! Reservations For Valentine's Day! +PUULY MVY;^V +PUULY MVY;^V We Accept Reservations Hails & Farewells We Cater Owner Operated 678-8885 • Hay St. Historic Downtown 822-3590 • 5780 Ramsey St. Next to Methodist University

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