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