What Is Brain Fitness?

What does brain fitness mean?

Research, using new technologies such as brain imaging, shows that healthy brains of any age can create new brain cells (neurons) and increase the connections between them.

This means that we can improve our brain function and it can be measured, much like physical fitness. It is a new concept to our culture, we are familiar with getting physically fit, but for some reason we do not attach the same weight to getting mentally fit!

How do we get brain fitness?

Brain imaging shows that brain cells grow in areas of the brain that are active.

Keeping the mind active is one way to help brain cells grow. As we age, and depending upon environment, brain cells and their connections die.

There is a school of thought, that by creating a bank of brain cells when we are younger helps protect us, to some extent, against memory loss, Alzeihmer's Disease and other dementia related symptoms.

The brain needs to be challenged in new and different ways to ensure that we are practicing the different cognitive skills for life and creating activity in the brain.

Brain training or mental exercises help protect the brain against:

• memory loss
• loss of concentration
• loss of processing speed and ability

Many people keep their mind agile by doing basic tasks that they are familiar with, such as puzzles, card games, reading etc.

However, it is important to have a balanced and comprehensive brain training program that is constantly challenging, novel and has variety.

Brain fitness, is just like just like physical fitness

In physical fitness most people recognize that a cross training program is needed to balance cardiovascular training, strength and flexiblity training. As well as a program, fitness requires that we nourish and take care of our bodies to enable us to maintain our overall health.

Brain fitness requires a cross training approach to cognitive skills whilst at the same time being in an environment where brain cells have a good chance of growing and connecting.

The 8 Habits are founded upon these principles to create an environment for overall brain health and fitness.

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