Brain Training to Fight Chemo Fog

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Did you know that up to 75% of cancer survivors report mental fogginess? There is even a term for it: “chemo brain”.  Brain training may be one way to regain sharpness. In a recent study, a group of breast cancer survivors saw their cognitive flexibility, word finding and processing speed improve after training their brain 4 times a week for 12 weeks. Continue reading →

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10h of Brain Training Keep You Sharp for A Year

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Computerized brain training is more powerful than crossword puzzles to optimize brain functions. A new study showed that 10h of playing a game that trains one’s thinking speed successfully improved players’ performance in many tasks, while crossword puzzles had no effect. Continue reading →

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Posted in Brain Exercises, Brain Health, Brain Training, Healthy Aging

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How to Optimize Brain Health at Any Age

Posted on May 10, 2013 by pascale@thememorypractice.com| Leave a comment

Modern life places extraordinary demands on our brains. Whether your goal is to become more resilient, enhance memory, ward off Alzheimer’s disease, or simply improve mental focus to perform better at work, this how-to guide shows you exactly how to “use it or lose it.” Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Brain Fitness, Brain Health, Healthy Aging, Memory, Stress

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Health Conditions That Affect Your Brain

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

An interesting article here reports research findings about 6 health conditions that affect the brain. You have probably heard that high-blood pressure, a diet too high in saturated fat, and trouble sleeping are not the best to keep your mind sharp. Did you also know that depression, smoking,  and obesity  could impact how your brain functions, both now and in the future? Continue reading →

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Posted in Brain Health, Memory

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Brain Game: Is Your Mind Agile?

Posted on April 26, 2013 by pascale@thememorypractice.com| Leave a comment

Decision-making, planning, problem solving, flexibility, inhibition, working memory, social and emotional control, are all supported by the frontal regions of the brain (behind your forehead). These skills are forms of rather high-level thinking and for this reason are called the executive functions. How are yours? Try this brain game to figure it out! Continue reading →

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Posted in Brain Exercises, Brain Games

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Exercise Helps Alzheimer’s Patients Remain Independent Longer

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Physical exercise can benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease. A study reports that a bi-weekly hour of physical training can help them remain independent longer. The slower decline in activities of daily living was accompanied by less falls, and this at no overall increase in social and health care costs. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Physical Exercise

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Comparing the Brain Benefits of Physical and Mental Exercise

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Physical exercise and mental exercise are both beneficial for the brain. Each can improve brain functions and decrease risks of cognitive decline over time. This raises the question of their comparative and combined effects: Is one better than the other? Are their benefits additive? A recent study suggests that their benefits are equivalent and not additive. However the results seem as inconclusive as the results of the few other studies that have tried to answer these questions so far. Continue reading →

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Posted in Brain Training, Physical Exercise

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Can Stress Accelerate Alzheimer’s?

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Chronic stress is associated with brain atrophy, memory problems, and dementia. However how this works is not well understood. A new animal study suggests that stress-induced steroids that inhibit brain activity may be part of the answer. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Brain Functions, Stress

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Is Sleep Loss an Early Sign of Alzheimer’s?

Posted on March 27, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

Disrupted sleep could be an early indicator of  Alzheimer’s disease, even before any memory loss or other symptoms appear. Although sleep problems are common for people diagnosed with the disease, a new study is among the first to link early dementia and sleep problems in humans. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Dementia

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Not All Antioxidants May Protect Your Brain

Posted on March 20, 2013 by Dr. Pascale Michelon| Leave a comment

By: Dr. Pascale Michelon

A diet rich in antioxidants helps reduce risks of stroke and dementia. A new study contradicts this idea and suggests that it may depend on where you get your antioxidants from. Antioxidants coming from tea and coffee may not have the same protective effect on the brain as those coming from fruits and vegetables. Continue reading →

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Posted in Alzheimers, Dementia

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