According to recent studies, the answer is "yes"! Many experts recommend mentally stimulating activities to help increase neural activity which may have the effect of growing new brain cells, establishing new neural pathways and helping the brain cope with the toxins associated with Alzheimer's. Recommendations for activities inlude crossword puzzles, board and card games, writing, reading, group discussions and lisening to music. This is all from a study described at the Alzheimer's information site http://www.alzinfo.org/.
Other mental healths sites such as http://www.fitbrains.com/ recommend similar activities for srengthening the brain such as: playing games, reading & writing, have a hobby, embrace education and picking up a puzzle. They also recommend breaking away from patterns and mixing mental stimulation with the other senses such as listening to music while cooking. The scent of the food combines with the sound of the music to make the brain work in a different way.
So how can we help? ALD offers obvious solutions such as the stimulation from a good book but we also offer music, Playaways, books on cd and access to programs which can provide a great environment for new learning. Combine listening to a Playaway with working in the garden and you are making the brain process the words being heard along with the tactile sensations of the work being done as well as the sights and smells of the garden. Our audio books section contains selections from the Great Courses which are essentially free college courses on a variety of topics. Finally, even engaging a patron in a stimulating discussion (such as reader's advisory) can help with their brain health and our own.
Just something to think about.
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