Quiz of the Month: Brain Fitness

by Joyce Remy

No, this isn't an IQ test instead, it's a little quiz to see how much you know about your brain and memory!

The brain is like any other part of the body. Certain natural, predictable changes take place as we grow older. But today, brain researchers are unraveling the mysteries of the aging mind. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the brain and the memory process!

True or False?

1. As we age, we inevitably lose our mental abilities.
   
   
2. Young people remember things better than do older adults.
   
   
3. We lose brain cells our whole life, and they never grow back.
   
   
4. Physical activity is one of the most important things an older adult can do to remain mentally sharp.
   
   
5. We inherit our memory and intelligence.
   
   
6. If a person has memory problems, he or she probably has Alzheimer's disease, and nothing can be done.
   
   
7. Getting enough (and the right kind of) sleep is important for brain health.
   
   
8. We begin having a harder time remembering words, beginning around age 70.
   
   
9. You can "train" your memory.
   
   
10. Saturated fat is bad for the brain.

1. As we grow older, we inevitably lose our mental abilities.

False. In reality, most older adults can do much to retain...and even improve...mental ability. And although the brain may not be as quick as when we were young, we have gained wisdom instinctive, increased knowledge about the world.

2. Young people remember things better than do older adults.

True...and False. While older adults are less efficient at recalling recent events, researchers believe the older brain is "smarter" about what it does and does not need to remember.

3. We lose brain cells our whole life, and they never grow back.

False. Recent research proves that certain important areas of the brain can grow replacement cells throughout life.

4. Physical activity is one of the most important things an older adult can do to remain mentally sharp.

True. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, and stimulates the production of substances that protect it.

5. We inherit our memory and intelligence.

True...and False. Genes are part of it but many other factors determine intelligence and memory skills. Education, nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle choices are equally important.

6. If a person has memory problems, he or she has Alzheimer's disease, and nothing can be done.

False. While Alzheimer's is a common cause of memory loss, many other conditions (including stroke, depression, overmedication) can also impair the memory. And these causes may be treatable...even reversible.

7. Getting enough (and the right kind of) sleep is important for brain health.

True. Not only does the brain "recharge" during sleep but sleep is also necessary for memories of the day to be retained.

8. We begin having a harder time remembering words, beginning around age 70.

False. This process actually begins when we are younger, becoming noticeable around age 40.

9. You can "train" your memory.

True. Older adults even people with early-stage Alzheimer's or other memory impairments can learn skills and tricks to enhance memory.

10. Saturated fat is bad for the brain.

True. More and more, researchers are discovering that foods which are bad for the heart are also bad for the brain. A "heart smart" diet is also "brain smart"!

See "Links You Can Use" in this issue of Seniors Digest for more information about brain and memory health!