T ips to K eep M emory S harp and I mprove C ognitive F unction STRENGTH OF MIND
GET PHYSICAL
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.
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. 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. SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY
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 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.
S uccess S tories OUR CLIENTS SAY IT BEST
“I came in with serious problems in my hips that left me unable to stand or sit for very long without pain. The pain got so bad that I had to quit walking in the mornings entirely. After only a few visits to Vital Care Physical Therapy, I am now able to sit, stand, and walk again. Andrea gave me great relaxing massages that loosened up my tight muscles. I will sure miss her massages!” – Mary M. “In Jan. 2017, I had surgery to have my left knee replaced and was experiencing a lot of postoperative pain. I initially came into Vital Care PT using a walker. After just a few weeks, I was able to walk on my own, and I no longer experienced any pain. Then, just a few months later, I had my right knee operated on. I came into the office in the same predicament and was able to walk out feeling great just weeks afterward. I’m very happy with my results.” – John S.
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