Improve Cognitive Function in Minutes
THE HIPPOCAMPUS Your hippocampus helps you process and form new memories, and it’s very sensitive to stress. In fact, research shows that your hippocampus will shrink in response to stressful situations and chronic stress. The remedy? Meditation. Dr. Lazar’s study showed a positive correlation between meditation and a higher concentration of gray matter in the left hippocampus. THE AMYGDALA Often called the fear center of the brain, the amygdala is triggered by stressful situations. But unlike the hippocampus, which shrinks in response to stress, the amygdala has been shown to become denser. In one study, people who attended mindfulness meditation classes showed a smaller stress response in brain scans compared to those who did not attend the classes. Meditation may help to decrease the density of the amygdala and therefore increase your ability to handle stress. Of course, in addition to these benefits, there’s a good chance that five minutes of meditation each day will simply make you feel better. People who meditate report an increase in overall well-being. Why not give it a try?
Meditation has often been touted by New Age gurus as a way to find inner peace and stillness. But what if meditating could reduce the effects of aging on your brain? According to research, taking a few minutes out of your day to meditate may improve cognitive function. As meditation’s popularity has spread, so have studies of the practice. The results of 100 studies examining the cognitive effects of meditation all show evidence of improvements in psychological and cognitive functions. Some of the results are intuitive, such as how meditation helps us deal with stress. But other results are incontrovertible, such as scans showing that meditation causes structural changes in the brain. For people facing age-related changes like memory loss, the results of these tests are especially relevant. The studies point to evidence that meditation can strengthen certain areas of the brain — the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus, and the amygdala — that weaken as we age. THE PREFRONTAL CORTEX Your prefrontal cortex thins with age, which is associated with decreased cognitive function in your later years. However, meditation may reduce this age-related thinning. Dr. Sara Lazar, a neuroscientist specializing in the effects of yoga and meditation on cognitive and behavioral function, reports that long- time meditators don’t show a decline in the thickness of the prefrontal cortex.
Patient
of the Month
CAROL FRIGON CYSTIC FIBROSIS FOUNDATION
“I want to thank all the wonderful therapists and staff at Professional Physical Therapy for their fantastic care during my recovery. I also want to thank Professional Physical Therapy for their generous donation to a cause that is so dear to my heart. The Frigon family would also like to donate $100 along with Professional PT.” – Carol Frigon Carol was chosen as patient of the month because of her persistence and consistency with PT. With her calm demeanor, friendly smile, and hard work, Carol progressed from day one to the best outcome. We know that family is very important to Carol, and it’s nice to consider her part of ours. Way to go, Carol!
“My niece is a beautiful young woman who, at a young age, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Despite the many hurdles that CF has placed on her, she keeps a positive attitude. Carol has a great support system through her wonderful husband, mother and father, sister, grandmother and her beautiful baby niece, who she loves to knit clothing for. “Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic progressive disease that affects many vital organs. Through development and discovery of new medications and treatments over the last few years, people afflicted with CF experience better overall health and extended life expectancy. Carol uses a vibrating vest, which takes the place of chest physical therapy, as well as nebulizer treatments and several oral medications. All of these combine to help keep the symptoms of CF under control.
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