MEMORY GAIN

1.  Scientists have now found that one of the best

methods of fending off the symptoms of dimentia

and brain damage is to build up a similar "cognitive

reserve".

2  Indivuals who live intellectually stimulating

lives and who are better educated are somehow

better protected against the factors that trigger

mental decline.  And the protection is not just limited

to advancing age, but also problems normally

associated with stroke, head injuries, toxic poisoning,

excess alcohol, HIV, Parkinson's and Alzeimer's.

3.  It appears that increased mental stimulation---

whether it comes from a career, reading, doing

crosswords, or whatever---helps build up this

cognitive reserve.

4.  Cognitive reserve isn't something you are born

with.  It's dynamic and changes with time.

5.  You can increase your cognitive at any point in

your life.   MRI studies show that the brain builds up

alternative and additional nerve pathways when it is

challenged by a new problem.

6.  This information plus more can be found in the

Mar 2006 newsletter, Alternatives by Dr. David G. Williams.