Attitudes - Brain Fitness

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.