A colleague of mine once described the speed of his brain as similar to an old cash register - you sequentially push one key after the other and then push the total key. This was in contrast to the speed of a younger person's brain, which was compared to a high-speed computer. High contrast in processing speed, same result.
As I get older, it's amazing the number of people who have mentioned to me in passing that they're worried about the health of their brains. They worry they're starting to lose it, that maybe it's the beginning of dementia.
Could be, but there's also a good chance they're just feeling their own aging a bit. We're used to taking our mental prowess pretty much for granted. Maybe it takes a little extra reflection to think through a concept. Perhaps we misspeak because we assume our vocal skills will keep up with our thoughts without actively thinking about our words. Perhaps we balance so many detailed tasks and plans in our day that we simply can't remember everything. Our brains may be just fine, just on overload and running a little slower than they used to.
Regardless, one of the prime issues of concern, particularly to the health-conscious boomer generation, is maintaining brain health.
Paul D. Nussbaum is a clinical neuropsychologist who has focused much of his work on brain health. He talks about five factors that people can use to impact one's brain health:
uSocialization: It's important to stay connected with one's community, family and friends. Studies have shown that isolated people have a higher risk for dementia. Research also has shown that this can lead to feelings of loneliness. Loneliness can relate to the risk of dementia through increased stress and altered blood flow.
uPhysical activity: To be healthy, 25 percent of the blood from each heartbeat needs to flow to the brain. Exercise helps to keep things flowing. Staying active through sports, dance and any number of activities that get the cardiovascular system moving will help. People think of their daily walks as good for their physical health, but they're really great for brain health as well.
uNutrition: Dietary neuroscience is a relatively new field. Our brains consist of more than 50 percent fat. The type of fats we eat can make a difference in brain health. Fatty acid from certain foods such as fish and walnuts is good; processed food and saturated fat are not. Fruits and vegetables are some of the best brain health foods.
uSpirituality: We need to slow down and de-stress. Research has documented the negative effect of too much stress. Prayer, participation in worship activities, massage, meditation and relaxation procedures promote general health and help us slow down.
uMental stimulation: Research shows the positive effects on brain health of new learning. Lifelong learning through academics, pursuit of hobbies or commitment to social causes helps stimulate the brain. Puzzles and games are great. Even the Internet and our new electronics can help.
At the University of California, Los Angeles, professor of psychiatry Dr. Gary Small led a group studying the effect of doing Internet searches on the brain's neural circuitry. One group of participants performed book-reading tasks while another did Internet searches, all the while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs). The Internet-based group saw significant increase in frontal lobe decision-making and short-term memory centers.
So, I guess it's best not to worry too much about the speed of the cash register or occasional slip-ups. Indulging in any new learning that meets my fancy, maybe getting a massage and playing a little harder might be the ticket. Maybe I'll get on the Internet and check out some ideas.
Lynn Kellogg is chief executive officer of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Long-Term Care at (800)654-2810 or check the Web site at www.areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each Sunday in The Herald-Palladium.
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