National Brain Week

The Brain is celebrated this week! Brain Week kicked off in a big way on Monday, March 16, with Alabama Public Television fundraising activities featuring the leading expert in Brain Plasticity, Dr. Mike Merzenich, PhD. He and his colleagues at PositScience developed a brain exercise program that is improving recall and slowing brain decline in older adults. Check out their newsletter at newsletter@positsci.org. Also read my December blog [below] for more PositScience information.

Not everyone can afford the PositScience program, especially in this economy. Here are FOUR ways to improve memory and recall that cost practically nothing:

1. GET MORE SLEEP. Brains consolidate learning and memory during sleep. Sleeping after learning new information = new information goes into our "hard drive" or our long-term memory storage. Cost, $0

2. USE YOUR NON-DOMINATE LIMB: Are you right handed? Use the left hand while brushing teeth, eating, and other routine activities. Using the other hand = millions of neurons are learning new tricks and the brain makes positive changes. Cost, $0

3. JIGSAW PUZZLES: I found jigsaw puzzles at the dollar store! Rotating pieces, using fine motor skills, making judgements, and shifting your attention = improved memory and recall. According to the research, puzzles must have 500 or more pieces to be effective. Cost, $1

4. EAT DARK CHOCOLATE: For the chocoholics out there, this is wonderful news. Dark chocolate pumps up dopamine, helps learning and memory, and keeps the brain sharp and fit. Approximate cost [again, go to the dollar store] $1

These four AFFORDABLE brain fitness activities are positive and fun ways to improve cognitive health and retain healthy brain function. Now excuse me while I get back to my puzzle! Dr. Jan