Mom always did crossword puzzles in an effort to keep her brain sharp. With a trusty sharp No. 2 pencil at her side each morning, Mom would sip her cup of coffee and meticulously make her way through these intricate mazes made up of words. The same ability to work with the English language showed ...
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Suggestion
MattH
Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 02:11 PMre: Suggestion
Sue
Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 09:10 PMCan you give us more information on this? Where readers can find it, etc.
Thanks so much for posting - SMM
replyre: re: Suggestion
Dorian Martin
Friday, December 14, 2007 at 08:55 AMHi, SMM,
I don't have any information on the computer program that Matt posted, but hope he will share it.
Because of the prevelance of a whole lot of "stuff" that promises to improve brain functioning, I do want to take the opportunity quote the New York Times article:
"....Dr. Stern, a neuropsychologist, and others set out to determine how people can develop cognitive reserve. They have learned thus far that there is no "quick fix" for the aging brain, and little evidence that any one supplement or program or piece of equipment can protect or enhance brain function - advertisements for products like ginkgo biloba to the contrary."
So although a computer program may help, the research cited in the story seems to indicate that a variety of activities over a long period of time - and the inclusion of new experiences that challenge the brain - when combined with social interactions and physical exercise are the best "vitamins" that you can give your brain.
Dorian
Dorian
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oh dear!
Cathrynn
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 12:10 PMthis made me rather concerned as I know my memory and concentration is as sharp as it used to be. I have spatial dyslexia, four year old level and this makes certain things really hard to do. But not just that - the last four years since my husband died I have been so caught up with running and closing down the business we ran together and looking after my mother there simply hasnt been any time at all for reading, extra hobbies - almost anything. I have lost contact with nearly all my friends as there has been so little time and as a result my brain has definitely not been used as it should. I am still a caregiver, though not 24/7, though I will be fairly soon - due to the spatial dyslexia I cant do crossword puzzles. Am a little worried ..:(
Cathrynn X
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ps to last post
Cathrynn
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 12:12 PMre: ps to last post
Dorian Martin
Friday, January 04, 2008 at 12:20 PMHi, Cathrynn,
First of all, let me tell you how great it is that you are taking on caregiving duties. Being in those role isn't easy, but creating a loving situation for family members who need your help is SO worthwhile.
As far as your issues with memory, I think that the most important challenge is to find the time to stay engaged and to make a point to try new things in order to stretch your brain. I understand that your dyslexia may make it difficult for you to do crossword puzzles, but there have to be other things that you currently enjoy doing - or that you want to do. So find those things and do them!
Plus the stress of caregiving may be causing some of your mental woes that you're experiencing; I know that these issues zapped my brainpower more often than I want to admit.
So the moral of the story is find interesting intellectual ideas - whatever it is that gets you excited and that you'll continue doing and exploring - and go for it!
Stay in touch!
Dorian
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