One of the most important studies ever done, on brain health and Alzheimer’s was the Nun Study. In this they found that those Nun’s who continues learning new things, were able to avoid the symptoms of Alzheimer’s even in the presence of Beta Amyloid plaque, considered the hallmark of Alzheimer’s, and that was due in large measure to what they called Neuro Plasticity, the ability of the brain to adapt, change even grow new extensions (dendrites).
And what triggered this increased neuro plasticity? Learning new things! Those Nuns who continued learning new things, reading the newspaper daily, cultivating new skills, interests and hobbies, even into their 70’s and 80’s, were more likely to develop this protective effect. While those who did not learn new things, were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Another team in Spain reviewed 26 studies worldwide involving over 60,000 subjects and concluded that the most effective neuroprotective therapy for Alzheimer's disease may not be a pill, but education and intellectual activity. Mounting evidence supports the notion that intellectual activity “learning new things” increases what neuroscientists call cognitive reserve, and a mere five percent increase in cognitive reserve in the general population would likely prevent one third of Alzheimer's cases.
But as noted in Step # 1 this need not be an either/or situation with pills (at least supplements) pitted against learning. The ideal protocol would include healthy levels of both, working synergistically together with other protective factors to maintain optimal brain health. The major takeaway from these studies is that the brain is designed for lifelong learning, and we must use it or lose it.
Continuing to learn new things is vital to maintaining a healthy brain, and there are of course various ways to do this. Right now you are applying this wisdom, as you read this article and learn more about improving the health and function of your brain! And as with the protected Nuns, that can be very helpful in preserving the quality of your life!
