Brain Boot Camp Relieves Forgetfulness, Improves Memory

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Brain "Boot Camp" Relieves Forgetfulness, Improves Memory

 

Have you found yourself searching for where you left your car keys more

frequently lately or have you missed appointments because you forgot you

scheduled them?

One woman, 43-year-old Kimberly McClain, became increasingly irritated with

herself because of her growing inability to remember simple daily tasks in her

life. McClain’s memory problems were restored to razor-like sharpness after

she attended a two-week program designed to boost brain functioning.

The memory program, created by Gary Small, a psychiatrist and director of the

UCLA Center on Aging, integrated components from the following four areas:

nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and memory-enhancing activities.

Characteristics of the Program

* The diet in the program includes a high intake of foods that contain

omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The diet also

centers on eating three meals and three snacks a day.

* Light stretching, walking and stress-relieving exercises are

performed many times throughout the day.

* Memory exercises are practiced for around 15 minutes a day.

A study evaluated 17 volunteers who experienced minor memory problems. Eight

of the study participants were randomly chosen to take part in the two-week

"brain boot camp" program while the other participants went on with their

lives as usual.

Results from brain scans, which were taken before and after the participants

completed the program, showed dramatic improvement with brain activity in the

frontal portion of the brain, which is responsible for daily memory

functions.

Those who participated in the program also reported a definite decrease in

forgetfulness over those who didn’t take part in the program.

Some experts stated the results of the study weren’t foolproof evidence that

a person who completed the program wouldn’t develop Alzheimer’s disease. On

the contrary, supporters of the program claimed that keeping your brain

stimulated could help delay memory problems. Researchers also stated the four

lifestyle components that contributed to dementia were high-fat diets, little

physical activity, stress and lack of mental stimulation.

Recommendations for future studies included performing studies with a larger

number of people and focusing on one of the four components of the study to

determine if some were more effective than others in helping improve memory.

In another study, it was discovered that the systolic blood pressure reading

of those who participated in the program dropped by seven points. Research

has shown a connection between normal blood pressure levels and the

postponement of Alzheimer’s disease.

_USA Today_

(http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2004-06-07-brains-usat_x.htm) June 7, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

As it says in the article, Gary Small, a psychiatrist and director of the

UCLA Center on Aging has developed a program for improving memory that combines

four elements: a special diet, daily physical activity, stress release,

memory exercises. The principles are explained in detail in his new book "_The

Memory Prescription_

(http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401300669/optimalwellnessc) ."

The diet is high in _omega-3 fatty acids_

(http://www.mercola.com/article/omega3.htm) , which are beneficial for health for a variety of reasons, fruits

and vegetables, with three meals and three snacks a day. _Staying in shape_

(http://www.mercola.com/2004/mar/6/exercise_brain.htm) , _challenging your

mind_ (http://www.mercola.com/2004/apr/7/mind_training.htm) and _eating a

nutritious diet _ (http://www.mercola.com/nutritionplan/) are definitely important

in keeping your mind sharp, especially as you age.

You may also be interested in my _past article_

(http://www.mercola.com/2003/nov/1/intelligence_foods.htm) that lists five foods that will specifically

help you to increase your mental clarity and ability to think.

The program is certainly an inexpensive and simple approach that is easy to

implement for those who struggle with memory challenges.

Interestingly enough, the program follows the basis of _my vision_

(http://www.mercola.com/forms/myvision.htm) , which focuses on treating the physical

body and emotional health. Nourishing your emotional, mental and spiritual self

is as essential to your health and healing as proper nutrition.

Further, after long and ongoing research into many approaches and products

in the area of memory and concentration, I have found a remarkably effective

and efficient (and very affordable) way to help you achieve higher

concentration and clarity levels.

The _Focus CD_ (http://www.mercola.com/forms/insight_focus.htm) , which I

recommend to my patients, works by training your brain to work at higher levels

of consciousness and guides the mind to an enhanced attentive and focused

state.

By incorporating a good nutrition program, exercise and these concentration

strategies you will be on the way to maintaining optimal levels of physical

health and emotional well-being.

 

The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.~ Albert Einstein ~

 

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