Old age may begin much earlier than thought if you believe age is defined by mental functions. According to new research conducted at the University of Virginia and published in the Neurobiology of Aging many cognitive functions demonstrate peak performance at age 22. By age 27 some cognitive functioning begins to decline while others such as memory decline around 37.
This study was conducted using standardized cognitive tests on 2,000 men and women aged 18-60 years of age and covered nearly seven years. Participants were in good health and well educated.
Aging involves multiple factors and change does not infer disorder. These results, however, further support the idea of a proactive brain health lifestyle that includes cognitive work outs (see fitbrains.com) that begin in childhood.
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Ten tips are proposed as primary if not critical components to a lifelong lifestyle for brain health. These behaviors are pulled from existing research on aging from the biological, psychological, social, and gerontological sciences. It is important to recall that our brain does not operate in isolation from the rest of the body. Rather, the human body operates as a symphony producing a behavioral harmony of life. The heart has a particularly important relationship with the brain with nearly 25% of the oxygen and blood from every heartbeat designated for the brain. Accordingly, some of the lifestyle behaviors proposed for brain health have similar benefit for the cardiovascular system
- Do not smoke
- Maintain regular physical examination
- Learn new information
- Engage in regular exercise
- Socialize, have fun and slow down
- Be financially stable
- Spirituality
- Dieat and health
- Maintain strong family and friendship networks
- Maintain a role and purpose
Dr. Nussbaum is a clinical neuropsychologist and national leader in Brain Health. He is cited frequently by the media and national press including the NY Times, Wall Street and USA Today. He is also the Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer at fitbrains.com
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