Delay dementia. Learn something unusual.             

            We all worry about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as we get older. When we can’t find our car keys – or the car! – the anxiety increases. There are several steps that we can take to delay most of the common causes of dementia, especially that which results from obesity and type 2 diabetes, both of which adversely affect the blood vessels of the brain.

            Persons who maintain high levels of brain activity through reading, music, games and similar pursuits are able to postpone the memory loss, confusion, slow reflexes and diminished motor function that too many people blame on aging. For instance, in a study of nuns’ brains at autopsy, those whose writing skills at entry into the religious order were greatest had a low incidence of Alzheimer’s disease even though their brains showed some of the changes that are characteristic of that disorder. 

            Your brain benefits if you are bilingual. Several studies from different parts of the world have revealed that the onset of symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease among persons who speak more than one language can be delayed by as much as 5 years. Although the advantage appears to be greatest in persons whose bilingual capacity begins early, even those who learn a second language later in life can benefit.

            Exercising the brain seems to help it in the same way that physical exercise benefits the body. In either case there is a reserve capacity, which in the brain is called cognitive reserve. Being well educated does not make a difference; the effect is apparent in persons who are illiterate.

            Do the types of languages matter? Scientists are not yet sure but it would seem to make sense that the greater the difference, the greater the advantage. If you are fluent in one or more of the Romance languages (French, Italian, Spanish) the challenge of a Semitic language such as Arabic or Hebrew might magnify the benefit. Learning an utterly foreign script that reads from right to left ought to twist the brain into developing new connections.

            Did you play the piano as a kid or do you still perform? Perhaps the guitar, clarinet or violin will take your brain in a new direction. Consider going from crossword puzzles to Sudoku.

            Shake up your brain. That will probably make it last longer. And it certainly can’t hurt.