Flex the Brain with the Brawn

"ByLine with Dan Betzer" Program #2572
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
"Flex the Brain with the Brawn"

The New York Times recently featured an article on preventing Alzheimer's. Researchers at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx followed 469 people aged 75 or older who showed no signs of dementia at the start. Over a median follow-up time of five years, dementia developed in 124 of the subjects.

The fascinating finding was that participation in mentally-demanding leisure activities late in life seems to provide protection against dementia, although the conclusion is not absolute. Playing chess, checkers, backgammon, or a musical instrument and reading appeared to be helpful in the prevention of Alzheimer's.

Interestingly enough, physical activities had no significant impact. The Times cautioned against over-interpreting the study. Despite efforts by the researchers to screen out subjects who already had dementia before the study started, it remains possible that some subjects already had subtle abnormalities that diminished their interest in mental activities.

You folks my age might want to get to the bookstore or library as soon as possible and start reading if you are not already doing so. I would most certainly encourage you to read the Bible, the Word of God. It will not only feed your brain but your soul as well.

Keep that brain working, good friend. Discipline yourself. It is not too late to begin even now. You have heard it said that a mind is a terrible thing to waste, so do not waste it! Work hard at staying mentally sharp until the Lord calls you home.

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