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Super Contributor
Posts: 319
Registered: ‎06-28-2010

How do you keep your brain sharp?

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?

Honored Contributor
Posts: 16,848
Registered: ‎01-02-2011

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.

Super Contributor
Posts: 392
Registered: ‎09-03-2014

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.

Super Contributor
Posts: 370
Registered: ‎04-18-2013

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 18,355
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

By not reading Viewpoints!! Bada bing!

☼The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there. GBShaw☼
Super Contributor
Posts: 5,837
Registered: ‎03-01-2013

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,559
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.

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Honored Contributor
Posts: 17,606
Registered: ‎06-27-2010

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.Wink

Few things reveal your intellect and your generosity of spirit—the parallel powers of your heart and mind—better than how you give feedback.~Maria Popova
Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,862
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

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.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,347
Registered: ‎07-25-2010

Re: How do you keep your brain sharp?

uh um er what was the questi