Exercising Your Brain

By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom

A new movement is afoot, which takes exercise for your brain just as seriously as exercise for your body. So, is this “mind fitness” craze a passing fad, or a true health benefit? Mounting evidence shows that it can be a big health plus.

While your brain is not a muscle, there is some reasonable evidence that mental exercises can improve some brain functions. Brain games are not currently linked to disease prevention (like Alzheimers), but can be an effective way to boost specific day-to-day notable actions, including increased mental alertness and focus, improved concentration, and a sharper memory.

An update of the old “brain teasers,” there are some new brain-training games, like Luminosity, Posit Science, and MindSparke, and multiple phone apps for iphones and Androids. It’s a growing segment of the “educational apps” market, which is now a more than $100 million market!

Like any kind of workout, it must be done daily (or at least multiple times a week) to notice any effect. And while a pre-planned set of games is a plus, these games and apps have a financial commitment. Some economical options include crossword, Sudoku and other puzzles, joining a book club, or even signing up to learn a foreign language. If there’s a Nintendo Wii in your household, consider some of these fun and effective options, including WiiFit. Other game systems have similar brain-stimulating choices.

It’s never too late to engage your brain! Brain games are here to stay – and mind fitness is an area to explore, if you haven’t already! Any ideas you’d like to share? Post away!