BODY WORLDS & THE BRAIN - OMSI

Today, thanks to a generous gift from a friend, I went to see Gunther von Hagen's BODY WORLDS & THE BRAIN exhibit at OMSI in Portland (Oregon).  My profound reaction to what I saw and learned about the human body and the brain was overwhelming.  Quoting from the article on the OMSI webpage, "This special review of the brain interjects encyclopedic and clinical information with compelling views of the actual physical brain from conception to old age, new insights from RI and Plastination technology, and the developing canon of findings in neuroscience."

The body is shown in a variety of ranges of motion from playing baseball to partners skating on ice.  Musculature, internal organs, and skeletal construction are visible as layer by layer is exposed.  The brain itself is the core topic of this exhibit.  "We're now at the beginning of an era where it's possible for the first time to understand the brain and by so doing understand ourselves."  Quote by UC San Diego neuroscientist, Dr. William Mobley.

We live in a time of tremendous breakthroughs in the area of neuroscience.  We now know that even as the body ages, at the same time it is possible to continue to grow the brain (create new neurons) with exercise, both physical and mental.

I'm proud to work in a field that gives people hope through various programs, both online and hands on in classes, giving them the means to maintain mental acuity into their later years.  I applaud those seniors who embrace these opportunities.  I encourage everyone to attend this exhibit and learn more about that miracles we call our bodies and our brains.

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) Portland, Oregon
Look for this exhibit in your city as it travels across the country
www.omsi.edu

Summer is here!  Brain Fitness is moving right along with two summer classes at the Elsie Stuhr Center in Beaverton.  We have lots of fun activities including learning to count in foreign languages and "sdrow sdrawkcab".  Be sure to sign up for Fall classes.  Check out the "NIA" video on this website of another class offered at Elsie Stuhr Center, taught by Kaycheri Rappaport.  The movements in the NIA exercises are in keeping with cross-body movements and more that we learn in Brain Fitness classes.  Kaycheri and I hope to work together in future classes.

Spring Term is starting at all locations.  Be sure to register soon - it's a great class.

Here are some recent comments from class members:

• "Brain Fitness classes have changed my life" Jill '11
• "You provide a wonderful service in a special way."  Judith '11
• "I recommend the course.  It is conducted by a highly dedicated and professional instructor."  Robert '11
• "It really stimulated my brain function and cognition in other situations."  Margaret '11

BOTH SIDES OF MY BRAIN?

BILATERALIZATION

Bilateralization is the ability to use both sides of the brain.  Although we cannot consciously tell our brain to use both sides, this unexpected occurrence happens as we age.  The aging brain uses more of itself.  Research shows that while young people process at a higher rate than older people, aging brains definitely compensate by becoming better at complex tasks and tasks that require wisdom and experience.

As the humans age, something we are not even aware of is happening; we begin to use more and more of our brains.  The ability of older brains to use different hemispheres or both at the same time has been referred to as “cross-indexing.”  The greater use of both hemispheres of the brain in middle age and beyond has been termed "HAROLD" for "hemispheric asymmetry reduction in older adults" by Roberto Cabeza, the researcher who conducted ground-breaking magnetic resonance imaging on the brains of adults of various ages.

COGNITIVE RESERVE

Research shows that those with dementia fare much better if they have a higher level of education.  Education can build cognitive reserves, possibly delaying the onset of dementia.  Cognitive reserve is a concept related to bilateralization. Research shows there is a link between lower levels of education to higher rates of Alzheimer's dementia.  Research has also demonstrated that some well-educated people continue to function at a high level, despite brain tissue that, after their deaths, was found to have the plaques and tangles associated with advanced Alzheimer's disease. Education helps many with Alzheimer's dementia to utilize the brain in more effective ways.

HOPE

Many senior community programs or community centers offer educational classes.  Portland Community Colleges offer a 100% tuition waiver for credit course audits (when space is available).  They also offer a 50% tuition waiver for non-credit courses.  You must be 62 or older. 

Brain Fitness classes are available at various locations in the community including the ones that Carres Brain Fitness is offering (see this Blog).  Other online brain fitness sites offer free games, paid memberships for more access to games, and/or purchase of a full spectrum brain fitness program.

Sources:

Gina Barrett Putt / online article

Klueger, J. Staying Sharp: The Surprising Power of the Aging Brain accessed October 30, 2010

McDermott, T. 101 Theory Drive: A Neuroscientist's Quest for Memory. New York: Pantheon Books, 2010.

Strauch, B. The Secret Life of the Grown-Up Brain: The Surprising Talents of the Middle-Aged Mind. New York: Viking, 2010.