 Health & Nutrition
Thoughts on
Aging
Brain Exercise - May 12, 2011
(1 minutes: 46 seconds)
 WMA (audio
only)
Audio/Video Script:
Dr. LaVona Traywick
Assistant Professor - Gerontology
[Announcer] Welcome to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona Traywick,
Assistant Professor of Gerontology with the University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.
[Dr. LaVona Traywick] When we are born, our brain, a thinking organ, is ready to learn. We then
spend a lifetime developing the brain by interacting with the world. Brain cells
are similar to muscles - we are born with what we get. If we use our muscles, we
can develop them and make them stronger. If we actively use our brain, we can
strengthen brain cells and the connections between the cells which helps improve
memory, reasoning and alertness (Alzheimer’s Association, 2009; Willin, et al.,
2006).
Active brains can even help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other
dementias. Like a muscle, the brain follows the “use it or lose it” philosophy.
This means that the health and function of the brain can improve with proper
brain exercise (Swaab, et al., 2002). It can be easy and fun to maintain an
active brain.
Mental exercise includes: reading and writing, learning new
things, and social, leisure, and physical activity. According to Dr. Amy Hosier
with the University of Kentucky, documenting and recording life and health
history is an excellent way to exercise your brain. When you document life story
and health history with a friend or family member, you can strengthen
relationships and create social ties. Social connections are also linked to
brain health.
[Announcer] Thank you for listening to Thoughts on Aging with Dr. LaVona
Traywick. To learn more about this and other topics, contact your local county
Cooperative
Extension Service office.
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