It's critical that we keep our minds - and our brains - active; that we stay out of ruts; that we continue to learn new things; that we embrace change. This can keep us functioning at peak efficiency - now, and as we grow older.

Physical exercise has become a major part of our lives. But lately I've been forgetting words, people's names, and my cell phone number. so darn it, I'm going to do exercises for my brain, too. Care to join me?

Here are some "brain workout" ideas.

Based on the premise that what you use, you keep, the first item on my new regimen is repetition and memorization. Try saying aloud and repeating the license plate number in front of you at a red light - and then say it from memory. Keep it in your memory for five to ten minutes. Put faces to "hello tags" at networking lunches and repeat them in your mind until you know them. Memorize your favorite poem. Learn a new language. Stop using speed-dial. It takes a conscious decision to work your brain but, well, it's easier than lifting weights, right?¹

Memory games, such as "Concentration" (you can play it with a deck of cards), are wonderful brain exercises. "Word or number games and puzzles, reading, writing creatively and analytically, or conversation may be the best methods for keeping the mind sharp ... And crossword puzzle design or solving is one excellent way to begin to sharpen and focus as well as stay creative and analytical," say the publishers of Large Print Crossword Puzzles for Memory Enhancement: Neuron-Growing Stimulation for the Age-Wise Brain by Anne Hart.

Thirdly, your brain, like the rest of your body, needs high grade fuel. Junk food can really slow you down. According to NewScientist.com, "kids breakfasting on fizzy drinks and sugary snacks performed at the level of an average 70-year-old in tests of memory and attention."²

Giving up alcohol is important for memory function. Research at the University of Teesside suggests "that heavy alcohol use clearly damages retrospective memory, that is, the learning, retention and retrieval of previously presented materials."³

Forgetfulness can simply be a result of long-term bad habits. It doesn't automatically mean you are developing Alzheimer's or MCI, although only your doctor can make that call. MCI, or Mild Cognitive Impairment, according to the National Institute of Health, "is different from both AD [Alzheimer's Disease] and normal age-related memory change. People with MCI have ongoing memory problems, but they do not have other losses such as confusion, attention problems, and difficulty with language."

Personally, I've found that when I'm in "creative mode," my memory is sharper. Writing, painting, and dancing can all be done in private, without an audience, so you don't have to worry about being judged. You can build furniture. Invent things. Solve little problems around the house, like improving traffic flow, or organizing a key rack.

Your brain is a marvelous playground. It's meant to be used. You can start right now with this memory game from the University of Washington.

And if you'd like, feel free to contact us and let us know how these exercises are working for you.

∞

² Ibid

³ http://alcoholism.about.com/cs/dementia/a/blacer030617.htm