COGNITIVE VITALITY: New techniques and exercises for maximizing brain function

Cognitive Fitness and Aging
[21 November 2005 - Healthword] Findings about the highly adaptive nature of the human brain and its ability to maintain itself have implications for maintaining cognitive fitness throughout life. Multiple components of mental, physical, and social activity reduce the risk for dementia. Current research has indicated that the baby boomer generation is concerned about cognitive function -- both attaining maximum capability as well as reclaiming function in areas of slippage. Online resources:

• Dana Alliance for Brain Health and AARP�s �Staying Sharp� campaign, which includes live presentations, a website, TV broadcasts, and print materials
• Posit Science Brain Fitness program, based around �brain training� computer exercises
• The Alzheimer�s Association�s �Maintain Your Brain� interactive workshops with tools for practical application: Contact your local Alzheimer�s Association for more information
• American Society on Aging�s �Strategies for Cognitive Vitality,� a free downloadable curriculum on cognitive wellness. Senior Services of America has trained lay leaders to conduct a modified version of this program, and they have presented at over 300 sites to date.

Older brains 'rise to the challenge'
[14 November 2005 - EurekAlert!] When the going gets tough, older adults' brains get going, according to new research by a University of Michigan professor studying how key regions of the brain click on when needed. Several regions in the brain, especially in the frontal cortex, are involved in helping people meet the demands of a constantly changing environment. While earlier research focused on older adults' failures to activate these regions, the new U-M research found that older adults can activate these regions in response to a challenging task, and may also bring additional brain regions online to help their performance. 'Older adults' brains can indeed rise to the challenge, at least in some situations, although they may do so differently than young adults,' said Cindy Lustig, a U-M assistant psychology professor who designed the study, which was conducted at Washington University in St. Louis. 'We are continuing to collect data from these groups and are also beginning to test young children and middle-aged adults as well.' ...