“When we talk about memory, and the ways in which we wish to keep our overall memory strong, we are talking about brain health,” says Jennifer Labrie, Resource Coordinator for Hartford Healthcare’s Center for Healthy Aging at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington, CT. Researchers agree, when it comes to adults aged 65 years and older, there exists a direct link between sustainable short and long-term memory and the healthy functioning of the brain, especially as it pertains to the persistence of diseases like Alzheimer’s Disease which, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, remains the fifth leading cause of death among aging populations. Labrie, who was the Helpline director as well as the Regional director with the Alzheimer’s Association, Connecticut Chapter, for more than ten years, stopped by Noble Horizons on Thursday, January 23 to discuss with Noble residents as well as members of the surrounding community the many ways one can maintain a healthy brain.
As part of her prescription for a healthier brain and a more robust memory, Labrie outlined five major aspects of brain health including physical activity, nutrition, socialization, brain stimulation and even spirituality. Labrie offered a one hour, fully interactive presentation that engaged the crowd with questions to ponder, lifestyle choices to re-evaluate, and even a few quirky brain teaser games that would test even the most “youthful” of intellects. That’s right, even the simplest of word games and puzzles can stimulate healthy brain activity, keeping the brain on an active routine, something that remains important at every stage in life. By testing your brain function with certain games and puzzles, you are accomplishing the equivalent of going to the gym for a quick workout, or going on that morning walk three times a week. Medical professionals agree that the same strategies we use to maintain our physical health, must also apply to the brain. “Our brains don’t like change,” says Labrie of the brain as we age. “Our brain wants to perceive things as it has always expected to.” However, as Jennifer reminded the crowd at Noble Horizons, sometimes, in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle for our brains, it pays to take a second look.
To test and challenge your own brain, click on one of the links below and have some fun.
https://www.verywellmind.com/top-websites-and-games-for-brain-exercise-2224140
https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/the-best-brain-games-for-seniors
https://dana.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/puzzle-packet-successful-aging.pdfhttps://dana.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/puzzle-packet-answer-key-successful-aging.pdf