HJNO Nov/Dec 2019

Healthcare Journal of new orleans I  NOV / DEC 2019 49 Carrie A. Mercer Lambeth House arrays. Another is the development of new tools to perturb the activity of neurons in precise ways, called optogenetics. Both are proving to be valuable and impactful. These latest studies suggest that brain activity re- sults in an increase in blood flow to the ar- eas of the brain involved in carrying out the tasks at hand, bringing with it oxygen and nutrients for the cells, and therefore con- tributing to the health and fitness of brain networks involved.These in- tellectual advances, along with technological advances in computing power, make it possible to analyze the patterns of activity from many thousands of neurons that collectively represent information and perform computations. Additionally, stem cells concentrate in the areas where there is greater brain activity, and function in the same capacity as the surrounding cells. In essence, cells grow over time in the active areas of the brain. Brett Steenbarger, clinical associate pro- fessor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at SUNY asks, “Recall the times when you were at the peak of your game: wide-eyed, clear-headed, able towork for hours at a time and immerse yourself in the doing, getting more accomplished than you ever thought possible. What if that was the norm? What if that is what it’s like all the time in proper cognitive shape?What if what we need are not more self-helpmethods or medications, but greater brain fitness? “ Mild cognitive impairment in senior patients signifies a critical window of op- portunity for intervening and altering the trajectory of cognitive decline. Brain ex- ercise does not necessarily lead to greater overall intelligence, but physical exercise along with cognitive exercise, has been reliably shown to improve intellectual functioning and academic perfor- mance. Structured techniques should be taught to patients to significantly improve their cre- ativity, processing speed, mem- ory, and emotional functioning. Brain training exercises should rely on novelty and complexity, in- cluding board games that are played with others, says Paul Nussbaum.All kinds of concentrated activities, like learning a for- eign language or how to play a musical in- strument, can be fulfilling for older people. Along with exercise and good nutrition, a brain that is fully engaged socially, mentally, and spiritually is more resilient. “We all have the ability to shape our brains for health, and the earlier the better.” n “…cells grow over time in the active areas of the brain.”