Category Archives: Brain health

Meditation Could be Easier than You Think

Meditation has long been reported as a great way to clear the mind and reduce stress. In my post in February, 5 Strategies to Improve Memory, I pointed to a research study that found that the daily practice of meditation thickened the parts of the brain’s cerebral cortex responsible for decision making, attention and memory. [...]

The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain

Barbara Strauch, the Health and Science Editor for the New York Times, was a guest on NPR’s radio program Fresh Air with Terry Gross last week to discuss the topic of the aging brain and promote her new book The Secret Life of the Grown-up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind. During the [...]

Does Television Rot Your Brain?

I’m sure you have heard the old adage television will rot your brain. There might just be some truth to that. First, there is the obvious. Watching television is a sedentary and passive activity. Watching TV is a choice, and like most choices, there is an opportunity cost. When you watch television you forsake [...]

Why Do Omega-3s Help Your Brain?

Doctors and scientists have long known that n-3 fatty acids, also known as omega-3s, are purported to have a positive influence on brain health. If you are concerned with maintaining your cognitive abilities and keeping your brain healthy you likely already sustain a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids through fish, walnuts, supplementation and/or other [...]

Hypertension and Cognitive Decline

Can Reducing Hypertension Also Reduce the Risk of cognitive decline?
The ill effects of hypertension (high blood pressure) have been well documented by the medical community. If you suffer from high blood pressure, there is a good chance you might also suffer from:

Pulsating headaches
Retinopathy or related eye damage and vision impairments
Nausea and vomiting
Chest pain and/or an [...]

Staying Fit Can Ward Off Cognitive Impairment

Brain Fitness for Life has long reported on the positive benefits of physical exercise and brain health:

http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/fitness/physical-brain-boosters
http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/brain-exercises/want-to-get-smarter
http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/uncategorized/exercise-to-get-new-neurons
http://www.brainfitnessforlife.com/alzheimers/even-a-little-exercise-is-beneficial

Recent research coming out of the Mayo Clinic, and published in the Archives of Neurology, adds to the growing body of evidence that adults who engage in moderate exercise during midlife or late in life are less likely to [...]

Alzheimer’s Disease 2010 Facts & Figures

This week the Alzheimer’s Association issued its 2010 Fact and Figures and the numbers show no surprises. That is, we were all expecting the numbers to be on a continual increase year over year and that was pretty evident in the reading. Let’s review the basic numbers:

As the 7th leading cause of death in the [...]

Magnesium May Improve Memory Study Shows

A recent study on magnesium showed measurable improvements in working memory, short and long-term memory, and an improved ability to learn new things (with supplementation).

HAPPYneuron Featured Guest at SharpBrains Summit

A highlight of the SharpBrains Summit was a talk given by Michel Noir from HAPPYneuron about the remediation and rehabilitation of neurocognitive deficits.

Can Cooking Dinner Help Your Brain?

Cooking is an activity that takes a person through a variety of brain functions. When we take to our kitchens to prepare our favorite dinner recipes, we are also honing many of our cognitive skills.