The thinking mechanisms are not fully explored, but what we already know about them amazes with the scale of the possibilities. The brain can increase its capacity and efficiency, adapt to changing conditions and repair damage. Knowing what supports the thinking processes is important for each of us, as it helps to consciously take care of the condition of the mind.
The intellectual capacity of the brain increases when we constantly stimulate it with stimuli that disrupt the routine and require mental effort. When we learn a foreign language or operate a new device, when we expand the area of knowledge and acquire the ability to use it, a network of new connections between neurons develops, creating the so-called the cognitive reserve, i.e. the apparatus through which we are able to remember and process information. The more branched the network of connections between neurons, the greater the cognitive reserve. By exercising the mind, we keep it active. And just like in the case of physical training - the earlier we start training, the better the results.
Those who train the mind from adolescence are more likely to be intellectually better in later life, because the young brain more easily creates new neural connections, increasing cognitive reserve, which in turn facilitates mental effort in adulthood. It has been shown that intellectual performance in old age is influenced by the level of education, e.g. bilinguals experience dementia symptoms 4 years later than those who only speak their mother tongue.
How To Slow Your Brain Aging
- It goes without saying that regular physical activity is best combined with the work of the mind. It is worth acquiring skills that activate the mind and body at the same time - e.g. learning new dance routines, playing an instrument, juggling, practicing sports that require coordination of movements, especially alternating movements, and balance exercises (skating or roller skating, Nordic walking).
- A good training for the mind is to do familiar things in a new way - typing with your left hand (for left-handed people - with your right) or moving the mouse to the other side of the keyboard, reading text upside down, etc.
- Apart from exercising the brain, relaxation is equally important. Both the right amount of sleep and meditation practices have a positive effect on the regeneration and cleansing of the mind.
- It is necessary to drink enough fluids. Dehydratedthe brain "dries up": the loss of its mass is caused, among others, by reduction in the amount of water in the brain cells. The greatest losses occur in the frontal lobes responsible for thinking.
- Diet is of great importance, especially lowering calories and enriching with unsaturated fatty acids (fish, oils, nuts) and antioxidants (vegetables and fruits).
More in March He alth on sale from February 15
monthly "Zdrowie"