It’s unclear whether enhancing this part of the brain could prevent dementia, but building extra cognitive reserve could offer extra protection. This helps explain why, as Chan says, post-mortem brain analysis has shown that some elderly individuals had extensive Alzheimer’s-related changes in their brain tissue yet showed no symptoms while alive. One reason why, he says, is because their scaffolding must have been robust – potentially helped by the way they lived, though genetic factors are also believed to play a role.
And despite the increasing risk of dementia as we age, it’s those who do not show symptoms that Chan says should be encouraging for all of us. “They are generally those who are physically active, more intellectually active, and those who are more socially active.”
We can all work at enhancing our spatial skills too with sports like orienteering or, in children, playing with building blocks. Working out directions without using the map on your phone could also help – as using GPS has been linked to poorer spatial memory. There are also computer games that could help if carefully designed. One small trial in older adults found that those who played a virtual reality spatial navigation game helped improve memory, for instance. However, this was a game designed by researchers, so it does not mean that your favorite computer game is going to improve your memory.
Stimulating conversation provides the brain with health benefits
READ MORE ON THE NEXT PAGE..
