Using the computer could boost mental function and playing computer based games can improve cognition in Alzheimer’s patients. Researchers have found that internet accessible computer activities are even more successful than classic exercies of mental stimulation commonly used with dementia patients.

The findings of the study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Fundacio ACE, Institut Català de Neurociències Aplicades in Barcelona, Spain, suggest that interactive multimedia internet based activities combined with standard pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer’s patients resulted in better cognitive function even in patients whose disease had progressed.

This study may relieve the fears of those who read about the Stanford University study that explored the possibility of internet addiction.

The findings of the study are published in the October issue of the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Read more about the study here:
Computer-based ‘games’ enhance mental function in patients with Alzheimer’s

Would you rather play Checkers or watch TV? According to researchers, just switching from a passive activity like television viewing to playing a board game can keep your brain exercised through mental challenges and activities. Mental activity is a way to keep your brain young and has been shown to reduce rates of dementia in people over 75.

In an article at the AARP website, Lawrence Katz, Ph.D., a professor of neurobiology at Duke University Medical Center, has some suggestions on ways to keep your brain flexible and agile. His suggestions include:

* Think in new ways
* Change your routine
* Turn off the tube
* Surprise your senses

For more information on employing Dr. Katz’s suggestions in your daily life, read the article.

De-Age Your Brain.

You may also like to visit our sister sites on this subject : Brain Boomers and Arts and Mind.

How detailed a memory is seems to be affected by the levels of acetylcholine in the brain when the memory is made. Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, has long been considered to be associated with memory and many major treatments for Alzheimer’s work by making more acetylcholine available in the brain.

According to a study by researchers at UC Irvine, a higher level of acetylcholine was associated with greater detail in memories of specific experiences.

Read about the study here.

See our previous story on how consuming apples and apple juice can boost your acetylcholine levels.

Researchers at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute report that the intake of caffeine equivalent to five cups of coffee a day, protected memory in Alzheimer’s mice and lowered the levels of the abnormal protein, beta-amyloid. Even when the mice had already high levels of beta-amyloid in their brains, intake of caffeine brought them down to lower levels.

“We were surprised to find that Alzheimer’s mice given caffeine in their drinking water throughout adult life performed much better than Alzheimer’s mice not given caffeine and very similar to normal mice without the disease,” said Dr. Gary Arendash, Ph.D, lead researcher in the study.

This research is in line with earlier research in humans that showed Alzheimer’s patients had a lower caffeine intake during the 20 years preceding diagnosis compared with age-matched individuals without Alzheimer’s disease.

Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute.