topic Re: How do you keep your brain sharp? in Community Chat

How do you keep your brain sharp?

judgejudith — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:26:06 GMT

I do funny things like try to memorize a random license plate number...not long term...but just until I get to my destination...then I repeat it.

Also, I see a random image, like yesterday it was a bird on the license plate, and then I try to remember a random fact like what was the state bird of my home state of Iowa. Sometimes it drives me crazy. Sometimes I think I'm getting Alzhiemers (sp) if I can't remember it right away. I asked my friend if she if did that, she said NO - NO -NO.

Am I alone, or do you also have little games you play to try to keep your memory sharp?

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

tansy — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:30:00 GMT

I'm not convinced mind games help much but can be enjoyable. When you forget what a license plate is would be more indicative of Alzheimer's than forgetting the actual numbers.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

Jig Saw — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:34:57 GMT

On 9/7/2014 tansy said:
I'm not convinced mind games help much but can be enjoyable. When you forget what a license plate is would be more indicative of Alzheimer's than forgetting the actual numbers.

Exactly. I know of teachers, doctors, and lawyers who have Alzheimer's so I am convinced if you are going to get the disease you will and there is not a thing you can do to stop it.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

irishmama5 — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:48:27 GMT

When my Dad 1st started having memory problems the Dr. Wanted him to do crossword puzzles & count money. You can keep your mind active, you can exercise, eat healthy, but when you forget your letters and numbers it is frustrating.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

JustJazzmom — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:51:02 GMT

By not reading Viewpoints!! Bada bing!

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

gazelle77 — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:51:42 GMT

I take PS and Ginkgo everyday... along with a lot of omega three oil and healthy fats from raw nuts, seeds and avocados my diet. Also a low glycation diet.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

Free2be — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 17:56:05 GMT

I read for pleasure but also read to take in new ideas, new ways of seeing things. Being present is also important, not going through the day in a fog of unconsciousness. I notice details about everything and everyone I see without thinking on them, just observing, enjoying and admiring.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

dooBdoo — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 18:09:53 GMT

I do several things, and I firmly believe variety and change are good for stretching the brain. Whatever you do, switch it up now and then. Exercising muscles is more effective when we don't get in a rut, and the same is true for our brain.

Physical exercise, in even the simplest form is great for mind and body. I also do crossword and cryptogram puzzles, and I'm learning a new language (I highly recommend duolingo, a free, interactive, innovative program).

I try to keep an eye out for new mobile apps, too, so I can try new mind games to challenge those brain cells.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

Burnsite — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:15:25 GMT

I do the Lumosity exercises because I enjoy them.

Being at work keeps me aware of a challenge, so that is good too. My parents were the brightest people I've ever met, at least so far: they didn't drink alcohol and ate carefully. And my dad not only got Alzheimers but got it prematurely. And he ran three miles twice a week, had a challenging job, and had no family history of the ailment.

My mother died too early but had all her marbles (and a few extra from learned experience and wisdom) when she died.

So I don't do Lumosity to ward off Alzheimers, because they aren't yet sure what causes it. None of the stuff I read has anything to do with my father's case. One thing I have noticed: I have poor vision, always have had, and I do think the Lumosity "Attention" games have slightly sharpened my peripheral vision.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

brewhaha — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:34:21 GMT

uh um er what was the questi

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

qualitygal — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:36:07 GMT

I don't know, I'm tarp as a shack!

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

Shorty2U — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:57:27 GMT

On 9/7/2014 Jig Saw said:
On 9/7/2014 tansy said:
I'm not convinced mind games help much but can be enjoyable. When you forget what a license plate is would be more indicative of Alzheimer's than forgetting the actual numbers.

Exactly. I know of teachers, doctors, and lawyers who have Alzheimer's so I am convinced if you are going to get the disease you will and there is not a thing you can do to stop it.

I do things to keep my mind busy, but I agree with both of you. A relative of mine had it and he was a professor at a college. My dad got Dementia (not quite full blown Alzheimers, and my dad worked out, kept busy, AND worked till he was 77).

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

Preds — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:05:26 GMT

I forgot the question! Did anyone get 42 down?

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

MickD — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:36:44 GMT

Political discussions errr yelling at/with the hubby....sharpen my teeth too...

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

QueenDanceALot — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:44:08 GMT

Learning a new skill is an excellent way to exercise your brain.

I'm taking dance lessons, both modern and ballet, which require me to learn new skills which engage both my body and brain.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

qualitygal — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:49:11 GMT

Oh I thought this was ""sharpen your mind"" area. OOps. Back to the sharpening tool.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

hckynut — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:56:57 GMT

How do you keep your brain sharp?

I do as many doctors suggest. Keep it busy. Try to do something challenging very day along with trying to learn something new each day. That way I can make up for the things I forget via my short term memory.

Work on hand/eye coordination drills daily along with keeping my balance via exercises that are not all that easy, sometimes more often. Also do timed tests with different topics to see if I can complete them in a given amount of time. Keeping busy with my running my hockey league during the season also helps keep me up to date.

Nothing is better than keeping brain working every waking hour. Doesn't have to be critical things happening in my life or those around me, just things to stay current.

I am one that believes that the brain and the body are a team and one cannot work as efficiently as possible without the help of the other.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

Preds — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:42:50 GMT

On 9/7/2014 MickD said: Political discussions errr yelling at/with the hubby....sharpen my teeth too...

LOL ... that works for us too.

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

ShowMe — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 21:56:28 GMT

I find just trying to keep up with some of the posters on here helps to keep my mind sharp. Have to always be on my toes when it comes to posting......

I do many things to keep my mind busy. Oh, I do have my Senior moments, but most of my problems are not with my mind.......they are with my bones......and muscles......

Although I do love to play games.......

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

circles — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 22:31:59 GMT

I do crosswords and play Solitaire ....not sure if they help....but I do enjoy doing them....