Exercise your brain to better mental fitness? Maybe not, say scientific research

BY STAFF WRITER— It's been almost an article of faith in recent years that exercising your brain will help ward off decline in your mental capabilities and, perhaps, even delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia. One analyst expects the "neurofitness" industry to grow to more than $2 billion in annual sales by 2015. But, "not so fast," says Science.

Retailers like Marbles: The Brain Store, in Chicago, sells games, puzzles and other exercise tools for the brain. And, there's vibrantBrains, a San Francisco "brain gym," where baby boomers work their way through computer-software generated puzzles with all the intensity of a spinning class. 

What's the word?

And, if you're having trouble completing your thoughts — and you own an IPhone — there's an app for that. HAPPYneuron's CEO says their SplitWords brain game "is a great way to train your language skills during your down time on the go." Major software companies like Nintendo and Posit Science also have entries in the brain training market.

Much of the support for the brain fitness movement came from scientific research suggesting that even older brains can develop new cells. Researchers found that, with effort, you can "teach an old dog new tricks." However, more recent scientific research threatens to throw cold water on the notion that you can "solve" your way to better overall brain health just by doing puzzles and other mental exercises.

Sound body, sound mind

A study of Canadian women over age 65 found that regular aerobic activity has a greater impact on brain fitness than mental exercise. These active women also had lower blood pressure readings and better vascular responses in the brain. The study suggested that better overall blood flow aids the ability to think.

The study's author, Marc Poulin, associate professor at the University of Calgary, said, "The take-home message from our research is that basic fitness — something as simple as getting out for a walk every day — is critical to staying mentally sharp and remaining healthy as we age."

Dr. Peter Snyder of Lifespan Affiliated Hospitals in Providence, Rhode Island, also dismisses the importance of targeted "brain training." His study group found that, while mental training can improve immediate performance related to the tasks under instruction, there was no generalized effect on other mental functions. He suggests that regular social and intellectual engagement in daily activities, such as reading to your grandchildren and doing crossword puzzles may actually be more effective than a formal brain fitness program. And, it's free.

Snyder echoed the findings of the Canadian study, saying there is strong scientific evidence that daily physical activity helps preserve cognitive function, while cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes are known to contribute to mental decline. So, exercise and keeping your weight down will also help keep your brain healthy.

With the Azlheimer's Association predicting that 11 million to 16 million Americans will have the disease by 2020, scientific research in this area will accelerate.

(Posted November 25, 2009)