Our Brains

by Tammy Kennon

Liv Fun: Vol 7 – Issue 2

In what’s been called the most “extraordinary discovery of the 20^th century” and the “biggest discovery in 400 years,” neurologists have found that the adult brain is not only malleable, but it is also capable of forming new neurons and pathways throughout life. This fundamental shift in brain science means we are not the hapless victims of an immutable and deteriorating brain. In fact, with the development of new tools to watch the brain in action, scientists have found the opposite: We can take actionable steps to build and maintain better cognitive function.

We’ll look at a few science-based ways to protect and improve the mission-critical muscle in our heads.

The Fountain of Youth

Explorers have been chasing the Fountain of Youth for centuries, but perhaps they should have just gone to the gym. Brain imaging has revealed that an older adult who exercises regularly has a brain that looks like that of a much younger person.

While any type of exercise promotes brain health and wards off deterioration, a 2013 study led by the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute found that endurance training in particular triggers neurogenesis or new growth in the brain. Any type of exercise where you gradually increase aerobic endurance, such as running, walking or swimming, a little farther each time sparks neurogenesis in the hippocampus, the area linked with learning and memory.

Aerobic exercise (the kind that makes you sweat) stimulates production of a protein called FNDC5 in the bloodstream. Over time, FNDC5 promotes another protein in the brain called BDNF, which prods new nerve growth along with the synapses that connect those nerves. This kind of exercise essentially forges new pathways, a hallmark of a healthy, growing brain.

Other studies have shown that aerobic exercise contributes to memory maintenance, protects existing brain cells, and promotes continued cognitive function.

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Liv Fun

by Leisure Care
Summer 2018
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Our Brains
by Tammy Kennon

In what’s been called the most “extraordinary discovery of the 20^th century” and the “biggest discovery in 400 years,” neurologists have found that the adult brain is not only malleable, but it is also capable of forming new neurons and pathways throughout life. This fundamental shift in brain science means we are not the hapless victims of an immutable and deteriorating brain.

Read More

A Traveler’s Guide to the Land of Depression
by Pam Mandel

Permanent January. A gray blanket fort. Fog. 19th century Russian literature. If these things have limited appeal for you, you are not alone. Yet in spite of the dull edges, lack of color, and very little else to recommend it as a destination, nearly 16 million Americans make an annual journey to the Land of Depression, some taking up residence for months, even years at a time.

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Hunting Awe
by Nancy Gertz

My inbox is ravenous. Like a hungry tiger, it is continually opening its mouth and getting fed, no matter how full it is already. It scans the virtual terrain all night and day, never stopping. Even when the power is turned off, it keeps hunting and gorging itself. It’s overwhelming to be its trainer and partner, and some days I’m not sure who is in control anymore, the tiger or me.

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