Train Your Brain!

Hello Fellow Alzfighters! This is Nurse Marla.

Organization and scheduling are one of my priorities. Included in my daily schedule checklist is doing some sort of focused cognitive function workout. Yes, you can train your brain! Think of it like doing squats for your glutes or sit-ups for your abs. Also, just as we have different muscle groups, we have multiple cognitive areas of function and skills: • Memory Function • Executive Function • Attention and focus • Speed of processing • Language skills • Mathematical skills • Spatial reasoning • Logical reasoning • Creativity • Social interaction and problem-solving skills

So how do we get in our workout so to speak? Maintaining or even improving cognitive function can be supported through a variety of mental exercises and activities that challenge your brain. Here's a concise list of exercises and regimens designed to stimulate different cognitive areas:

1. Memory Training: a. Dual N-Back: A memory sequence test where you must remember a series of spoken letters and positions of a square at the same time. b. Mnemonic Devices: Techniques like the Method of Loci, acronyms, and visualization to remember lists or complex information.
2. Executive Function: a. Puzzle Games: Sudoku, crosswords, or chess to enhance problem-solving skills and strategy planning. b. Goal Setting: Plan and execute a complex task, breaking it into smaller parts, to practice organizing and prioritizing.
3. Attention and Focus: a. Concentration Exercises: Practice mindfulness or meditation to increase your ability to focus. b. Selective Attention Practice: Engage in activities where you must pay attention to one stimulus while ignoring others, like listening to a single instrument in a symphony.
4. Speed of Processing: a. Timed Tasks: Completing puzzles or tasks under time pressure can train quick information processing. b. Reaction Time Exercises: Video games or apps designed to improve speed and accuracy of responses to visual or auditory stimuli.
5. Language Skills: a. Learning a New Language: Engaging with a new language can enhance cognitive flexibility and memory. b. Word Games: Engage in Scrabble, Boggle, or word matching games to build vocabulary and language fluency.
6. Mathematical Skills: a. Mental Math: Regular practice of computations without a calculator to enhance calculation speed and accuracy. b. Math Puzzles: Games like KenKen or Magic Squares that combine mathematical and logical skills.
7. Spatial Reasoning: a. 3D Puzzles: Constructing models or solving three-dimensional puzzles like Rubik's Cube. b. Virtual Reality (VR) Games: Can be used to explore and interact with three-dimensional spaces.
8. Logical Reasoning: a. Logic Puzzles: Games like logic grid puzzles where you deduce information from given clues. b. Brain Teasers: Riddles or brainteasers that require you to think outside the box.
9. Creativity: a. Divergent Thinking Tasks: Practice brainstorming or coming up with as many solutions to a problem as possible. b. Creative Hobbies: Engaging in creative writing, painting, or playing an instrument can foster artistic creativity.
10. Social Cognition: a. Role-Playing Games (RPG): Social interaction and problem-solving in RPGs can boost empathy and emotional intelligence. b. Reading Fiction: Understanding characters and their motives can improve theory of mind.

To make the most of these exercises, it's important to practice them regularly, challenge yourself gradually with increasing levels of difficulty, and engage in a range of activities to stimulate different brain areas. So, make it a habit to train your brain daily. Change your focus area regularly the same way you might have “Leg Day” or “Abs Day”. Make a healthy fun part of your day!