Behavior Interventions Can Prevent Memory Loss

January 28, 2020 Sharp Again Naturally Articles, Exercise, Mental Stimulation

There are apps that alert us to get up and walk around hourly, and others that remind us to breathe deeply. Game apps promise to improve our mental agility, and online sites offer computerized brain training. We have only so much time in a day—so what types of activities and behaviors will give us the sharpest brains for the investment?

The Mayo Clinic sponsored a four-year study (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02265757) for those at risk for dementia and their care partners that looked at the impact of combining five different types of interventions on patients’ and caregivers’ quality of life, cognition, function and mood. The interventions were wellness education, physical exercise in the form of yoga, computer-based brain fitness training, memory compensation training and support groups

According to Mayo Clinic study leaders, two interventions produced the greatest benefits: wellness education — including information about nutrition, sleep, relationships and healthy brain aging — and the yoga program. Wellness education was shown to boost mood, and yoga improved memory-related activities of daily living.

Yoga provides benefits far beyond memory, so if you’re looking for way to stay toned, increase flexibility, and improve balance and strength, try yoga. There are different types of yoga, so you may want to sample a few different classes to find one you like.

You’ll find valuable information about wellness, exercise and other topics related to brain health on the Sharp Again Naturally website (sharpagain.org), and in our newsletters, on social media, and other communications.