Alzheimer's, dementia, brain tumors, depression, memory loss
and overall poor mental functioning are increasing. And as we
are living longer it appears to only make sense that non-life
threatening conditions become more obvious as modern
medicine allows us to be alive for longer.
But researchers (reported in USC HEALTH) are finding that
many modern brain conditions are not signs of the natural aging
process, but are merely results that stem from lack of use.
Like Electrical Wiring
Almost every driver has experienced corrosion on their car
battery, something rarely noted until it leaves them stranded,
unable to start the car. Our brains have wires too (neurons). The
connections (axons and dendrites) get subtances built-up on
them over years of not firing regularly. This results in poor
connectivity, "mis-fires" and over time an inability to "start",
sometimes leaving portions of the brain incapacitated.
"Growing Older and Wiser"
Results from our first television generation of office employees
& assembly line workers are in: Now elderly, plumper, taking
more prescriptions and commonly reported as living with
increased brain dysfunction taking many different forms.
Today's concept of the wise old man with traditional worldly
experience & knowledge brings to mind a man sitting on his
favorite chair watching his TV, filled with a lifetime of stories
from the office, plant or yard. Extra weight and arthritis from
years of repetitive motion make joints ache too much for being
active and relaxing a tired body takes priority. The process that
began years before is accelerated while the body moves less
and gets out less due to retirement and physical ailments.
Prevention is both mental and physical.
Known Causes of Brain Dysfunction:
Pollutants, alcohol, stress, prescription and recreational drugs
all affect the brain and over time can cause impairments due to
the chemical nature of these elements. Your body always
attempts to counteract whatever you bring in that changes
these natural balances (state called homeostasis) & your
unique genetic make-up determines any adverse reactions. But
those are the obvious concerns.
--> What about the effects of a current generation
spending 3-4 hours/day of mindlessness in front
of the TV. Whether or not you learned something
or were entertained, this is passive mental work
that does not use more in-depth thought which is
required to maintain and increase neurological
pathway development.
--> What about sitting in our cars or traffic for 1-2
hours/day? ...or working 8 hours in non-thinking
jobs; or standing/waiting in lines or rooms (we
spend an average of over 2 years of our lives in
lines). Your brain, because it must work in these
situations is occupied, but is not engaged in the
type of thinking that maintains or improves its
functioning.
Not ready to give up your 9-5 or the commute? Then here are
some suggestions on what you can do;
--> Read more
--> Work on a project (rebuild a motor, business
idea, invention)
--> Write a book, poetry or to a friend
--> Take a class
--> Begin drawing, photography, musical
instrument
--> Play a team sport, strategy games
Finding the time may be as simple as turning the TV off ...even
if it is just one day a week. Dare to think about what you may
be missing out on.
Remember:
YOU have the POWER!
Darren Rieck
