Looking to combat cognitive decline?  A new study has found that brain stimulating activities like leadership or management roles at work, continuing adult education or social engagement enhances mental agility in later years.  Early and mid-life challenges help build cognitive reserve which provides a buffer against age or illness.  Higher levels of reserve increase the chance of staying cognitively fit for longer.  Start building your brain reserve and learn more about the findings of this large-scale research by the University of Exeter! 

NY Times: ‘Pacemaker’ for the Brain Can Help Memory, Study Finds

Scientists have discovered that zapping the brain with a little bit of electricity at the correct time may aid in enhancing memory.  These findings might one day help create technologies to help people suffering from memory loss.  Learn more about this cutting edge technique. 

Forbes : Too Much Sugar Linked To Reduced Memory, Brain Volume

Findings from a new study indicate that drinks laden with sugar are linked with brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease.  On average, the more sugary beverages consumed, the lower the scores on memory exams and the lower overall brain volume.  A reduction in brain volume has been associated with a higher risk for Alzheimer’s.  Try to remove or lower the sugar in your drinks and discover more about this latest research! 

Play fun smart games that challenge and delight your memory and 5 other key brain areas for free! 

We’re happy to introduce our New Brain Game of the Month, Pathfinder!  It’s a Premium visual-spatial game.  Test your skills with this exciting brain game in our app or on Fitbrains.com.  Designed by neuroscientists and game experts, you’ll love Pathfinder at first tap!  Are you up for the challenge? 

About Our New Brain Game Pathfinder

Rotate the tiles to connect a path from right to left.  This game challenges your navigation and ability to pay attention to details in your environment.  abilities.  To master this game, both accuracy and speed count! 

We’re thrilled to introduce our New Brain Game of the Month, Tap Targets!  Are you up for a challenge?  Designed by neuroscientists and game experts, Tap Targets is not only addictive but rewarding.  Try this latest speed of thinking game anytime, anywhere on any device today for free until May 15th. 

About Our New Brain Game Tap Targets

Tap the target shapes as soon as you see them.  To master this game, both accuracy and speed count!  Tap Targets engages your ability to recognize and respond to specific visual information, challenging you to react quicker and with more precision. 

Did you know that socializing with friends and family during a holiday like Easter is a great way to boost your mental, emotional and physical health?  Maintaining connections with friends and family is one of the easiest ways to provide a novel environment for your mind.  This, in turn, helps combat cognitive decline. 

Backed By Science

Research findings at Chicago’s Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Centre indicate that people who were actively social had 25% less cognitive decline.  A study by Michigan University also reveals a positive link between socializing and cognitive performance.  And, scientists at Brigham Young University found that loneliness and isolation can increase the chance of premature death by up to 30%.  It’s clear that being social helps all ages.  But, it’s particularly important as we age to prevent dementia and depression later life. 

There’s no question that socialization helps our physical, mental and emotional health.  So make some plans with your friends or family or put yourself in the company of others.  Some fun social activities include volunteering, taking a class or joining a social club.  This Easter, while you are enjoying spending time with loved ones and eating Easter treats, you can also celebrate that you are boosting your brain! 

Diets – love them or hate them?  Most of us hate them.  But, did you know that there’s a diet that’s not only good for your brain but easy to follow?  Yes, that’s right.  In fact, there are 2 according to US News and World Report’s yearly ranking.  The classic Mediterranean and the MIND diets are ranked #2 and #3 for Best Diets and also Easiest to Follow Diets.  Both of these diets are acclaimed for their positive effects on brain health.  Not only do they lower brain shrinkage but also combat cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s. 

The MIND vs. the Mediterranean Diet

Based on studies that revealed which foods were good for the brain, scientists tweaked the Mediterranean diet to create the MIND diet.  There are 10 key food groups including leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish, poultry, olive oil and red wine.  Red meat, butter/margarine, cheese, sweets and fried or fast food are the core 5 that should not be consumed.  The difference between the Mediterranean diet is that the MIND one does not require you to eat more than 1 serving of fish, does not include any other fruit and adds leafy greens to the mix. 

Eat Your Way To Brain Health

The brain shrinks as we age.  However, several findings indicate that people who followed a Mediterranean diet had less brain shrinkage as they got older.  Studies also indicate that it, along with the MIND one significantly slows down cognitive decline. 

A study followed participants for approximately 4.5 to 10 years.  Those who adhered to the MIND diet more closely had better cognition scores including in areas like working memory, visuospatial and perceptual speed.  Variables like education and exercise were accounted for and still the difference between those who scored highest versus lowest was equivalent to a gap of 7.5 years. 

Scientists have also discovered that what we eat can have a big affect on the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  Those who followed the MIND food plan most closely lowered their risk of Alzheimer’s by 53%, however, even those who moderately followed the diet, lowered their chances by 35%.  Several studies reveal that the Mediterranean diet also reduces the risk.  That’s pretty good odds especially with diets that are easy to stick to! 

So why not have some salmon and kale salad today and be on your way to a healthier, happier brain?  And, don’t forget to engage and reward your mind with our fun, smart brain games.  We’ve the most games and most variety of any other brain training program so that you’ll always be challenged.