From memory worry to memory hope!
I know what it’s like to worry about having a ‘bad memory’.
To worry about what it could mean for the future.
For me, it got to the point, that I decided I could either keep worrying or do something about it!
I am so thankful for the books and other resources I have come across which gave me the hope I needed.
This allowed me to take my first step forward.
Therefore, I thought I’d share a few book excerpts to share this hope with you, so you can make your first step forward too.
1. Super Brain, by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph Tanzi
(Myths to dispel) - ‘ ‘Aging in the brain is inevitable and irreversible’: To counter this outmoded belief, new techniques for keeping the brain youthful and retaining mental acuity are arising every day.’
(Myths to dispel) - ‘ ‘The brain loses millions of cells a day, and lost brain cells cannot be replaced’: In fact, the brain contains stem cells that are capable of maturing into new brain cells throughout life. How we lose or gain brain cells is a complex issue. Most of the findings are good news for everyone who is afraid of losing mental capacity as they age.’
‘Due to “neuroplasticity,” the brain can remodel and remap its connections following injury’
‘With neuroplasticity, the brain has evolved into a marvelously adaptable and regenerative organ. Hope existed that even in a brain being damaged by Alzheimer’s, one need only catch it early enough, and neuroplasticity may be triggered. It’s one of the brightest possibilities for future research’
2. Memory Craft, by Lynne Kelly
‘And even more exciting, especially for someone over 60, as I am, is that current neuroscience research on plasticity of the brain indicates that it doesn’t have to decline with age.
I am convinced that we are very much poorer for not using our memories effectively anymore. Could this be a contributing factor to the prevalence of dementia and the general acceptance that memory fades with age? Or does it in fact fade with lack of use?’
3. 7-Day Brain Boost Plan - How to Become Brain Fit for Life, by Dr. Allison C Lamont & Gillian M.Eadie
‘Perhaps the most well-known example of the positive effects of brain plasticity is the Nun Study, conducted over years by Dr. Snowdon. A post-mortem study of Sister Bernadette’s brain showed she had advanced Alzheimer’s even though all the cognitive tests completed in the years before her death showed she was mentally sharp with little evidence of memory loss. Dr. Snowden found that mentally active nuns in the study (especially with strong verbal skill) were much less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Sister Nicolette, aged 93, walked several miles a day, read avidly, was knitting, playing card games, and fully joining in with the daily life of the convent.’
‘Until relatively recently, it was believed that by the age of 50, brain cells were lost daily, and forever. While without help, with age it does become harder to recall names. dates or where keys were left, science has now established that, far from these signalling Alzheimer’s, it is more likely your memory powers have dulled simply because your brain (and maybe your body) is no longer in tip top shape…it is also exciting because newer research shows that with the right training you can regrow vital neural connections resulting in new brain tissue, increased brain size and much improved effectiveness. At any age.’
If you’re now ready to take your first step forward, click the ‘book a chat’ button.