Our understanding of the human brain has advanced more in the last two decades than in the prior two centuries and most of the news is really good! And given all the information that has become available in recent years regarding Alzheimer's disease and dementia, its time for some good news! Scientists are discovering new things about the human brain every day and this is changing the way people view healthy aging.The old belief was that aging was a long, slow process of ever declining mental functioning. While there is some truth to this beyond middle age, most scientists now believe in a more complex view of brain aging. Recent studies have demonstrated that older brains actually become more adaptive. Tasks that younger brains accomplish with one part of the brain are often accomplished by several parts of the older brain. In addition, the brain is much more flexible than previously thought and is constantly rewiring its functioning in based on what we do and how we think. This is called neuroplasticity. Studies have proven that our brain continues to adapt, evolve, and even grow new neurons and pathways our entire life, something that has been thought impossible in the past.Older brains are often less nimble, making it harder to switch tasks, make quick decisions or assimilate complex information, but they outperform many younger brains in tasks that require a higher degree of integrated thinking this is the wisdom that makes older brains comparatively better for activities such as coaching, editing, or practicing medicine. Overall, the ability to index and manage information and extract meaning increases with age. Scientists believe this may be the result of more complex pathways built up over years of collecting information.This ongoing growth and change in the brain turns out to be good for it. Those who engaged in regular cognitive activities (such as attending educational seminars, discussion groups or learning a new language) had higher levels of brain functioning and lower rates of Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. The brain is a muscle like any other and benefits from regular exercise. As the saying goes, use it or lose it!So, don't accept the notion that aging brings an unavoidable mental decline. It doesn't have to be that way. Find something you enjoy that is mentally challenging and make it a regular part of your life. Your brain will thank you for it!Editors Note : This article was written by Zane Robertson, President of Active Minds, a Denver based provider of educational programs for seniors. He is a frequent speaker on lifelong learning and senior education and served on the Denver Commission on Aging and the board of the Denver Coalition for Seniors. Active Minds programs are available in many of Denver's finest senior residential communities as well as a variety of public venues. For more information, contact Mr. Robertson at 3033207652 or visit www.activeminds.com. Copyright 2015 Active Minds. All rights reserved.

Our understanding of the human brain has exploded over the last couple decades, yet many misconceptions still exist. Test your knowledge with the following true/false quiz. Answers are at the end.The human brain does not grow new brain cells or change its structure at a cellular level.Use it or lose it is an accurate phrase for our brain.Video games are bad for your brain.Younger brains generally work faster than older brains.Exercising your brain can lower the likelihood of getting Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.The best exercise for your brain is to frequently review information you recently learned.Our brain fate is determined by our genes.The brain follows a predictable trajectory of cognitive decline as we age.Medication provides the best hope for preserving or enhancing brain functioning.Under the right circumstances, the brain can recover many apparent age-related losses.Answers:False. All healthy brains grow new brain cells regardless of age and we continually alter the structure of our brain through a process known as neuroplasticity.True. Lack of cognitive challenge predicts cognitive decline.False. While some video games are undoubtedly of little or no benefit, most video games are challenging and get more difficult as the player gets better. This continuous challenge stimulates the brain in beneficial ways. True. It is true that as brains age processing speed slows down. This does not, however, mean that older brains cannot perform as well as younger brains. In one study, one-third of older brains functioned as well as, and in some cases better than, younger brains.True. Research has demonstrated that individuals who regularly engage in cognitively challenging activities have a lower incidence of Alzheimer's disease and dementia.False. The best exercise for your brain is new challenges. The key is that it is different and difficult. This stimulates a brain chemical called acetylcholine which is important in growing new brain cells.False. While genes are certainly important factors in brain performance and health, our brains are significantly influenced over our lifetime by a variety of other factors including mental and physical exercise, nutrition, stress, sleep, and other factors.False. There is nothing inherently fixed about the path brain functioning takes as we age.False. A variety of non-medicinal interventions have been shown to be more effective than medication.True. A variety of techniques have been successfully used to positively impact a wide variety of age-related mental losses.Editors Note: This article was submitted by Zane Robertson who is President of Active Minds, a Denver based provider of educational programs for seniors. He is a frequent speaker on lifelong learning and senior education and has served on the Denver Commission on Aging and the board of the Denver Coalition for Seniors. Active Minds programs are available in most Denver senior residential communities as well as a variety of public venues. For more information, contact Mr. Robertson at 3033207652 or visit www.activeminds.com. Copyright 2012 Active Minds. All rights reserved.

In the tender embrace of senior care, there exists a treasure trove of memories and stories waiting to be unveiled. Each elderly resident carries within them a unique legacy, a tapestry woven with the threads of experiences, trials, and triumphs. Preserving these narratives isn't just an act of cherishing the past; it's a profound way of honoring the rich tapestry of a person's life. In senior care facilities around the world, dedicated professionals and compassionate caregivers recognize the importance of these stories. They understand that beyond the wrinkles and graying hair, there lies a reservoir of wisdom and history that deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated.By actively engaging in reminiscence therapy, storytelling sessions, and intergenerational activities, senior care communities are not just providing entertainment; they are weaving a web of connections between generations. These interactions bridge the gap between the elderly and the young, allowing a seamless flow of knowledge and understanding. Preserving memories isnt just about collecting tales of the past; its about fostering a sense of belonging, reducing feelings of isolation, and nurturing emotional well-being. Through carefully crafted activities, seniors are encouraged to share their life stories, passing down traditions, values, and life lessons to the younger generation. In doing so, we create a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences that enrich the lives of everyone involved. In senior care, honoring legacy isnt just a duty; it's a heartfelt celebration of the human spirit, reminding us all that every life, regardless of age, is a story worth telling and preserving.

Early in her 50s something seemed off with my wife. She would often become forgetful. It would take me several years to realize this forgetfulness wasn't going to go away. After a diagnosis of early-onset dementia how could I know then that I was in for a fifteen-year journey of exhaustion, confusion, hopelessness and hard suffering while losing my companion to this disease. As it became unsafe for her to live at home and I was far beyond exhaustion, I was surprised to find her happy when we placed her in a Senior Memory Care Community. During the journey I would say to the kids, there ought to be someone to help us with this. Years later I discovered Senior Placement Services. It was too late for my journey but it's not too late for yours! The service is FREE! Don't wait for a crisis, plan ahead! They will help you navigate the overwhelming, complex process to find the right fit for your loved one.Editor's Note: This article was submitted by Walt and Britt Roberson of Harmony Senior Referrals. They may be reached at 303-667-2420