Keeping a Healthy and Youthful Brain
by
Peter Moulton, Ph.D.
Keeping a Healthy and Youthful Brain by Peter Moulton, Ph.D. |
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Comments by the Author
Brain Agility is an outgrowth of my on-going interest as a psychologist in the rapidly developing abilities of neuroscience to investigate and influence the brain and of a desire to help older adults understand and deal with normal age-related cognitive decline. Brain imaging technology has dramatically increased our understanding of brain function. Neurofeedback technology now enables sophisticated monitoring of brain function and facilitates changes in brain behavior. Cognitive psychology now employs computer technology to exercise the brain, promoting enhanced cognitive functioning. The realization that many individuals find printed text more convenient and friendly than computers motivated the development of the Brain Agility Exercises, a program of paper and pencil exercises that can provide beneficial brain activity similar to that provided by computer exercises. A review of research and clinical studies shows that normal age-related cognitive decline can be forestalled and in many cases reversed by using paper and pencil exercises. Since most of these studies focus on only one or two areas of functioning, the findings of many studies were brought together in the development of the Brain Agility program. This program, based on current research, is designed to exercise and improve a wide range of cognitive functions including memory, attention, concentration, inductive reasoning, word fluency, visual-spatial orientation, and arithmetic skills. The 30 day Brain Agility program incorporates a uniform set of exercises with progressive levels of difficulty allowing initial success and providing increasing challenges as cognitive functioning improves. Research in neuroscience, aging, psychology, and medicine shows the interdependence of the health of our bodies and our mental functioning. In light of this, it is important to place a program of mental exercise within the context of promoting a healthy lifestyle. Therefore, the first part of Brain Agility provides a basic understanding of brain function, its relationship to cognitive functioning, and how the brain is affected by nutrition, stress, and physical health. Guidelines are provided in each of these areas. An additional section discusses the complexity of memory and strategies for improving memory. A final section offers suggestions for resources for continued mental exercise. Both the exercises and the life style guidelines have evolved from material presented in Brain Agility classes for older adults who have expressed enthusiasm for the program and offered very beneficial suggestions and comments. It is my hope that everyone who reads this book and engages in the mental exercises will benefit and find growing older more enjoyable and rewarding. Peter Moulton, Ph.D. Eugene, Oregon
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