The Importance of Mental Exercise

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation
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The evidence continues to mount that challenging your brain can help to keep your memory, and probably other cognitive functions, sharp as you age. Recent study results were presented today at the American Academy of Neurology meeting in Seattle.

There is not yet compelling evidence that mental stimulation can stave off the onset of any particular disease or disorder. However, it seems more and more certain that maintaining mental fitness can keep symptoms at bay for some period of time even as some medical condition begins to interfere with normal cognitive processes.

I see a lot of news and promotion generated by companies selling computer games and work-out programs designed to optimally exercise your brain. I am hopeful that these approaches can provide true benefits and that strong scientific evidence will soon catch up and support even the boldest of these claims.

In the meantime, it is good to know that favorite hobbies, robust discussion, and reading and socializing in general all look like beneficial work outs for the brain.