Worried about becoming forgetful as you grow older?
Well, hold that thought. Leading neuropsychologists are saying that the brain can be exercised the same way the body can.
](/socialplay/MatchMove Games-poker) Skill-based games like [Poker](/socialplay/MatchMove Games-poker) have been shown to keep the brain nimble as it ages
It has long been believed that through our lives, the number of neurons – connections in the brain – would reach an upper limit, and eventually decrease as we age. (Related Post: Games: Doctors Prescriptions)
Neurons that fire together, wire together
This catchphrase sums up how malleable our brains are, and suggests that it’s not the number of neurons we have in our brains, but the number of connections that matter. Here are two recommended ways you can improve your brain power:
- Stimulate your brain by playing skill-based games Games have been found to trigger the parts of our brain most commonly associated with our senses. Skill-based games such as Poker or Chess require players to pay attention to what is happening within the game, and make informed judgments based on these observations. Our observations are the basis upon which long term memory is built upon. It is our belief that through enhancing our abilities of observation, gaming can also improve our ability to remember events.
- Physical Exercise. A 2008 study found that 15 minutes of walking, three times a week improved memory scores in a exercise group of 138 participants as compared to a control group. This is likely due to the notion that improved circulation to the brain, and increased oxygen intake helps to improve cognition.
Richard Restak, author of “Mysteries of the Mind” and leading neuropsychologist, asserts that if you get enough sleep, eat moderately, and exercise both your body and mind, you can become smarter over the years and even help hold back the effects of dementia.
