Aging Brain Exercises

The human brain, when exposed to stimulating daily activity, can expand its neural connections and grow more cells with longer life spans. Studies have concluded that participating in daily exercises such as walking or aerobics can be beneficial to brain function and development. Brain-stimulating activities also can improve brain function and help prevent cognitive decline, which can begin as early as 40 years of age.

Physical Exercise

• Research by Dr. Fred Gage and colleagues at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies concludes that a simple exercise such as walking can increase blood flow to the brain and encourage the growth of new brain cells. Gage determined in his studies that the decline of brain function is due in part to physical inactivity. In November 2006, Sharon Begley of The Wall Street Journal reported on the discovery by scientists that aerobic exercise can stop the brain from shrinking and reverse the effects of brain aging.

Mentally Stimulating Activities

• Dr. Dharma Singh Khalsa, founding president and medical director of the nonprofit Alzheimer's Research & Prevention Foundation, recommends mentally stimulating activities to encourage brain health. These include attention-engaging tasks, using two or more senses at the same time and breaking out of a normal daily routine. Volunteering, singing songs, memorizing lists, studying a new language, learning to use a computer, talking about current events, participating in music and art, and completing jigsaw and crossword puzzles are all recommended by Khalsa as stimulating brain activities.

Neurobics

• A professor of neurobiology at Duke University, Dr. Lawrence Katz, created a number of brain exercises called neurobics. These exercises combine the five physical senses with the body's emotional senses. In an effort to change everyday routines, a person can get dressed or wash his hair with his eyes closed. Taking a different route to work, using the non-dominant hand to eat or operate a computer, or shopping at a new grocery store can benefit the brain. To increase brain function, Katz suggests simple activities including listening to music and smelling flowers, or watching clouds while using modeling clay.