Brain research - how to defeat Alzheimer's

It's now known that only about a third of people who have Alzheimer's Disease actually develop the debilitating symptoms. The rest live perfectly normal lives and only after they have died do autopsies reveal their brains were riddled with the tell-tale Alzheimer's scars. And so what is it that causes these people to resist the disease in their lifetime?

A report in The New York Times says scientists now believe the reason is what's known as 'cognitive reserve' - that some brains develop extra neurons and connections which act as a kind of spare supply, so later on if their brain experiences any loss of memory cells, their brain automatically draws on the reserve and people appear to function quite normally. You can read the full report by clicking here.

So how do people get this 'cognitive reserve'?'The New York Times says scientists know of several key ways in which this happens.

Brain stimulation is crucial. A New York study founds that people who enjoy a busy life full of leisure activities that are active and social had a 38 per cent lower risk of developing dementia. Most helpful are mentally stimulating activities pursued with other people - like community gardening, taking classes, volunteering, or participating in a play-reading group.

Physical activity plays a role, too by improving blood flow to the brain, which in turn stimulates the growth of new neurons, or memory cells, and neuronal connections. People who exercise regularly - just a half hour walk several times a week will do - are one third less likely to develop Alzheimer's Disease in their 70s. Even those who start exercising in their 60s cut their risk in half.

Another way is through brain training exercises. Neurospychologist Nicola Gates has developed brain exercises which are designed to activate different functional systems, including memory, attention, language, speed and problem solving. Regularly doing these tasks can strengthen these areas of the brain and has been shown ti protect the brain against age-related memory disease. Headstrong Cognitive Fitness offers these exercises on a computer software program. To find out more, click here.

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