Strength of Mind
Tips to Keep Memory Sharp and Improve Cognitive Function
up a new hobby work wonders to keep your mind active and your memory sharp. These mental exercises are especially important after retirement, often to make up for the loss of stimulating challenges that work used to provide. GET PHYSICAL Taking care of our physical health has also been shown to help brain function. According to a study by Sydney University in Australia, aerobic exercise is particularly good at jogging our memory. The researchers note that “aerobic exercise acts by preventing the usual decrease in neurogenesis associated with aging, thus resulting in greater retention of neural matter — particularly in the hippocampus.” In short, exercises like swimming and running keep the part of our brain responsible for memory from shrinking. SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY Humans are social creatures. Many studies have shown that being a part of a supportive social group can significantly benefit our physical and mental health. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health reports that people who have daily contact with friends and family cut their risk of dementia and mental impairment almost in half. Our mental diaries may be longer and fuller than they were in Wilde’s day, but if we fill those pages with hobbies, exercise, and close friends, our memories will remain sharp and vivid for the rest of our days.
Irish poet Oscar Wilde once called memory “the diary that we all carry about with us.” Of course, in Wilde’s time, the average
life expectancy was less than 50 years old. As modern medicine continues to enable people to live longer, these “diaries” tend to become muddled. Fortunately, there are ways
to counteract the natural dulling of our memory that comes with time.
PUZZLE YOURSELF Just like any other muscle, our brain needs a workout in order to stay strong. As Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson of Harvard Medical School writes, “Challenging your brain
with mental exercise is believed to activate processes that help maintain individual brain cells.” Activities like solving puzzles, learning a musical instrument, or picking
Implanting a New Look
Implants are one of the biggest advances in dentistry in the past 40 years, but the time frame from surgery to completion varies from patient to patient. If you think you’re ready to hear more about how an implant procedure could help you, call your certified local specialists at Livingston Dental. We perform the most up-to-date procedures — all in-office — that will leave you with a smile you’ll want to show off.
You’re never too old or too young to get a new lease on your self-image. Taking back control of your once-sparkling smile with dental implants can be a huge step toward finding the appearance you want. With the advanced dental technology available today, there has never been a better time to love the look of the person in the mirror. And looks aside, dental implants are practical, too, since they can replace missing teeth, allowing you to enjoy your favorite meals and activities with newfound confidence. In accordance with the recommendations of the American Dental Association, here’s what you should generally expect with any dental implant procedure: Your dental surgeon will place the implant into your jawbone, after which you’ll likely be regulated to a diet of soft foods with no heat extremes to allow for optimum healing. While it’s healing, osseointegration takes place. During this process, bone begins to grow around the implant, holding it firmly in place until it is just as strong as your regular teeth. This takes time, and it may be months until your replacement tooth can be attached to the stint that was implanted, although they can sometimes be placed in the same visit! Finally, a custom- made crown will be placed over the implant to look and feel like a regular tooth.
2 (307) 885-4337 | www.drlivingstondds.com
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