Wow, my brain feels brighter just reading this. Great series of articles, Ann. I find learning to play a new piece of music is another great brain brightener, and no EEG required.

Learning something new and playing Go keeps me fresh.

Jim

Hello All,

I have used EEG biofeedback clinically, studied with the Othmer's, and had good success in the addiction field, but as Ann notes, it is a time intensive process. The brain brightening programs out there now, on your computer, actually have some clinical data to back their efficacy, and when you couple those kinds of exercises for particular "mental muscles" with exercise, good nutrition, and stimulating learning, (new language, new instrument, new dance step), you can brighten your brain too. See SharpBrains.com for great info.

I use a B-12 supplement....it gives me energy and helps my moods....I used to be on mood drugs...couldn't stand them.

The small losses I have suffered (I'm nearing 70) are not even an inconvenience. I learned to get around the fact that I can't remember names and phone numbers simply by realizing that if a person is worth knowing, they will be worth remembering. I meet so many people. I remember every detail about every client as if my mind were a notebook but I can't remember their phone # even if I call them, regularly. That is why God invented the phone book. I keep tabs on every important number and have never been at a loss when I need it.

When I was thirty, I had this same problem so it isn't a factor of aging. It is a factor of not giving a damn! I read a quote by Einstein on this subject: "Never commit to memory something you can commit to paper." There is little enough storage space in the brain without filling it with nonsense and details that can be found by storing them logically.

Those of you who have seen my writing know that I certainly have no memory problem when it comes to recalling words. I may call you "what'shername," but I will come up with 14 adjectives to accurately describe you!

No one in my family has ever had dementia or Alzheimers that I am aware of and to some degree, those disorders have a genetic link. Also, I don't add substances that are known to diminish brain capacity over time like alcohol, tobacco or pot. Sometimes, I use a little too much cream cheese on my morning bagel, but I don't seem to be subject to high cholesterol. That's genetic too.

I sometimes talk too much but if you have an attention span, I will try to make the endings as good as the beginnings ... and always save the best for last.

My brain needs all the help it can get. Thanks, Ann!!

Perhaps I sound off tune, then correct me. But do you think that learning foreign languages can improve your memory and enhance your brain activity? I mean the serious, deep learning, not on a school level but to be able to actually communicate, to express and comprehend sophisticated thoughts.