What's the latest research on promoting brain health and neuron growth--in terms of exercise, nutrition, and activities?

Improving focus, attention, memory, brain plasticity, and the body-mind connection. Asked by Dr.Hawk 49 months ago Similar questions: latest research promoting brain health neuron growth in terms exercise nutrition activities Science > Psychology.

Similar questions: latest research promoting brain health neuron growth in terms exercise nutrition activities.

Sadly little research done on physical activity and promoting Neuromuscular development. I'm a personal trainer who specializes in clients with medical issues. Primarily this means I work with those suffering from joint issues.

But, often I have worked with someone recovering from a stroke or other brain injury. I follow what is similar to physical and occupational therapy guidelinges, of many, many repetitions, starting with small range of motion, and body weight, repeating the workouts in minimally different ways 3 times a week. Each week increasing the weight by 1 pound.

This has had tremendous success in re-teaching the brain to communicate with the muscles - building against weakness. But, while this is the excepted norm of working with the brain - speeding the reaction time, improving memory, etc. There has been precious little formal study done to measure its effectiveness. Here are examples of the exercises I give my neuro clients: Circles/Squares - (either standing or sitting depending on degree of functionality) They must step one foot into a series of squares, then circles.

I move the sequence for each set (repeated with 20 reps, 4 sets) Step Ball Bow Toss - Standing with both feet on the step, the client tips forward at teh hip, extending the ball toward the floor. As they slowly raise the torso back to standing they toss me the ball.(note: this is done sitting in a chair as well for those with very low functionality, and can progress to standing on a BOSU Balance Trainer) Slow Corner Pinch - Standing so a corner of the wall runs from between the heels, up the spine, touching the back of the head. Arms are extended slightly lower than shoulder level.

Slowly, bringing the elbows wide and back so the shoulder blades pinch the edge of the wall. Slowly release. Slow Wall Push-up Rotation - Standing about 1 foot away from the wall, hands up wider than shoulder width.

Slowly bend the elbows, bringing chest closer to the wall. Push through hands to straighten the arms, slowly rotate the torso, pointing one arm (straight) behind. Staggered Cones - 4 - 10 small orange cones are staggered across a room.

The client holds a small (55cm) stability ball. The client walks a straight line down the center, bending the knees slightly (like a lunge) and gently touching the ball to the tip of the cone as they pass one. These are just an example of utilizing exercise (motion) to increase neuromuscular and brain activity.

Hope this helps! The Kickbuttmama ps - for latest in reaserch you can check http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/neuromusculardisorders.html#cat3 http://www.pitt.edu/~neurolab/ Kickbuttmama's Recommendations Clinical Neurodynamics: A New System of Neuromusculoskeletal Treatment Amazon List Price: $87.95 Used from: $78.42 Average Customer Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (based on 1 reviews) Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques, Volume 1: The Upper Body Amazon List Price: $110.00 Used from: $98.31 Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (based on 4 reviews) Proprioception and Neuromuscular Control in Joint Stability Amazon List Price: $68.00 Used from: $57.59 Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques Practical Case Study Exercises Amazon List Price: $44.95 Used from: $40.00 These are fabulous resources for the type of exercises I described .

Top Brain Boosters Wrinkles, gray hair, age spots. There are lots of downsides to aging. Losing the mind, though, tops the list of many.

But fear not. Just as research has demonstrated how important physical exercise is to aging well, experts now say there are things we can do to reduce our risk of mental decline, or even reverse it. It's called the mental workout, and as baby boomers search for more ways to enjoy their longevity, interest in it is beginning to explode.In Pictures: Best Ways To Strengthen Your Brain"People are saying, 'I want to live long, but I want to do it on my terms,' " says Michael Patterson, who runs the brain fitness program Staying Sharp, a joint project of the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives and NRTA: AARP's Educator Community.

"They're saying, 'I could live with a little bit of physical decline, but I don't want any decline in my cognitive abilities. So what can I do about it?' "That's a question scores should be asking. It's estimated that about 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, including 4.9 million people age 65 and older.

The Alzheimer's Association predicts that by 2050, the number of people age 65 and over with Alzheimer's could range from 11 million to 16 million, unless science finds a way to prevent or treat the disease. Related StoriesSimple Steps To Better Mental FitnessMind Your MemoryThose are scary numbers, particularly for an aging generation of baby boomers. Some risk factors for dementia, which is most commonly caused by Alzheimer's disease, simply aren’t reversible, such as genetics.

Fortunately though, brain plasticity studies have shown the brain can rewire itself into old age, and even add new cells in response to stimulation. Researchers say some people may have a better shot of maintaining their brain health by adopting a few preventive strategies, such as using computer programs and making lifestyle changes. Digital DoctorIn the medical world, computer software has been used for years to help people who've suffered strokes or traumatic brain injuries regain specific mental abilities, says Alvaro Fernandez, cofounder and CEO of SharpBrains.

Com, a Web site promoting awareness of science-based cognitive training. Interest in this new frontier of wellness is now mainstream, and the market has responded with a host of products, ranging from portable games like Nintendo's (other-otc: NTDOY - news - people ) Brain Age to more science-based software, such as Posit Science's Brain Fitness Program. Posit Science CEO Jeff Zimman says the program is the only one on the market backed by published scientific studies, which show that healthy people over age 60 on average experienced the equivalent of a 10-year improvement on standardized cognitive tests after using the product.

Consumers, many of whom had little to no previous computer experience, have self-reported improvements in everything from their ability to remember names to feeling more confidence and optimism, he says. What's on your plate can affect everything from memory to mood. Find out how much you know about healthy eating here.

The San Francisco-based company began selling the program to retirement communities in 2005, and it's now used in 130 facilities across the country and in Canada. For $395 individuals can buy the software, which targets the neurological processes necessary for accurate listening, effective thinking and a strong memory. In one exercise, users get a list of instructions asking them to move cartoon characters to onscreen spots.

The goal is to sharpen the memory, enabling people to recall, say, a grocery list. CogniFit, a company established in Israel in 1999 that recently began marketing products in the U.S. , offers a computer training product called MindFit. Used three times a week for 20 minutes a day, the $149 product provides individualized training.

Unlike a crossword puzzle, the level of difficulty increases as users' skills improve, keeping them constantly challenged. The company also announced last month it has developed new software designed to get the typical employee to challenge his or her mind. Charging companies about $100 per employee per year, the MindFit corporate program will assess users and sharpen their cognitive skills for 10 to 15 minutes a day.

CogniFit sees the product as a way for businesses to potentially lure older workers to stay on the job longer and keep workers of all ages mentally fit. If using your computer as a mental gym sounds good to you, SharpBrains. Com's Fernandez suggests asking a few questions first to determine a product's benefits and whether it's worth the money.

Do neuropsychologists and peer-reviewed research support the program? Does the product indicate what part of the brain it exercises? "Some programs are entertainment," Fernandez says, "and some are exercise.

"Change Your LifeNot everyone, however, is convinced that computer programs are the way to go."I don't think that they have proved that they stop Alzheimer's," says Dr. Robert Butler, CEO of the International Longevity Center-USA, a not-for-profit, nonpartisan research, policy and education organization that helps communities address the issue of aging. "You could save some money by having a nice book club or learning a new language. There may be a benefit but I'm not sure you have to buy a computer game to keep up your brain health."Both the International Longevity Center-USA and the Staying Sharp program advocate intellectual stimulation, physical exercise and a healthy diet to keep your mind in top shape.

Related StoriesBest Workplace Stress RelieversHow To Avoid A Heart AttackEducation, such as learning a new instrument, has been found to have a protective effect against cognitive decline, even in those younger than 65, according to the 2001 report "Achieving and Maintaining Cognitive Vitality With Aging," sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Aging and the International Longevity Center-USA, among others. Likewise, the report says exercise can benefit an older person's brain by improving blood supply to the brain, and a high intake of antioxidants, such as vitamin C, E and beta-carotene, may help prevent progressive cognitive impairment. Whatever method you choose to give your mind a workout, Butler says the earlier you start, the better.

"We should be exercising our minds and our bodies," he says. "We'd all be a lot healthier if we did." Sources: http://www.forbes.com/health/2007/05/08/brain-aging-health-forbeslife-cx_avd_0509health.html .

1 Dr.Hawk: I'm neither a Dr. or Prof. and my information on that subject is limited and dated. However, I have seen no scientific facts disputing this single fact in the thirty years I found out about it. The chemical makeup of the oinion family seems to mix well with brain activity (I forget the scientific words here so bear with me): There are particles of brain chemistry that flow through the brain cells or something like that, each of these particles are of a specific size and shape.

Each particle must 'dock' with somekind of 'receiving' station. If these particles are not the same size and shape--they get stuck, block it, and probably shut that small receiving station down permanently. The chemicals in the oinion family keeps these particls the same size and shape--therefore allowing the brain to function as well was it was designed to.

Sorry I don't have more. BYE! .

Dr.Hawk: I'm neither a Dr. or Prof. and my information on that subject is limited and dated. However, I have seen no scientific facts disputing this single fact in the thirty years I found out about it. The chemical makeup of the oinion family seems to mix well with brain activity (I forget the scientific words here so bear with me): There are particles of brain chemistry that flow through the brain cells or something like that, each of these particles are of a specific size and shape.

Each particle must 'dock' with somekind of 'receiving' station. If these particles are not the same size and shape--they get stuck, block it, and probably shut that small receiving station down permanently. The chemicals in the oinion family keeps these particls the same size and shape--therefore allowing the brain to function as well was it was designed to.

Sorry I don't have more. BYE!

2 I have some input for this one, but just no time right now. I suffed a traumatic brain injury in 2005, leaving me with all kids of problems, most of which I've overcome. If you keep this discussion alive, I'll drop back in and give you some of wat's worked for me, as well as some other peer reviewed info.

This user has been banned from Askville.

2 I have some input for this one, but just no time right now. I suffed a traumatic brain injury in 2005, leaving me with all kids of problems, most of which I've overcome. If you keep this discussion alive, I'll drop back in and give you some of wat's worked for me, as well as some other peer reviewed info.

I have some input for this one, but just no time right now. I suffed a traumatic brain injury in 2005, leaving me with all kids of problems, most of which I've overcome. If you keep this discussion alive, I'll drop back in and give you some of wat's worked for me, as well as some other peer reviewed info.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.