

ResearchWe would all like to know how to preserve and improve our memory and thinking abilities as we age. Observational studies that correlate naturally occurring lifestyle and health conditions with brain health or disease are giving us many clues about factors that may promote brain fitness. However, controlled studies of interventions based on these factors are still in very early stages.
WAI is committed to achieving a better understanding of the many factors that may reduce the odds of developing Alzheimer's disease and increase the chances of successful brain aging. The Wisconsin Registry of Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP) is studying risk and protective factors in children of persons with Alzheimer's disease. We have also been conducting exploratory research on brain fitness interventions for individuals with mild memory problems through a year-long program called Take Charge: A Pilot Study of Memory Wellness.
If you are interested in learning more about current research on brain fitness, we have provided reviews of recent research articles on factors that may be brain-protective and on intervention programs to maintain or improve cognitive skills. We will update this link with additional summaries as new studies are completed.
For further information on brain fitness, please contact Asenath La Rue, PhD, at the WAI, 608-829-3308 or larue@wisc.edu.
To the right is a list of other brain fitness resources. These resources may or may not prove helpful for a particular person, but they provide a good starting place for keeping your mind active and engaged.
Tips for Better MemoryOur ability to remember is a link to our past and a bridge to the future. Memory enables us to learn new things, adapt to changing circumstances, and complete essential tasks. At least one out of every four older adults report problems with remembering everyday things such as names or where they put things. Usually this forgetfulness is just annoying and doesn’t affect a person’s ability to do important things. Most people…regardless of age…can strengthen their everyday memory. Below are some tips for a better memory.
Economize your brain use
Practice and repeat
Use your imagination to make things memorable
Pay attention to your health
Get a good night’s sleep
Believe in yourself
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RESOURCESBrain fitness blog:
Brain games available on the web for free: www.thirdage.com/living/games/sbt1/
Commercial brain fitness programs: www.calibex.com/nintendo-brain-game
Books and other materials that take a holistic approach: The Healthy Brain Kit, Andrew Weil & Gary Small, 2007 The Memory Prescription, Gary Small, 2004 Keep Your Brain Young, Guy McKhann & Marilyn Albert, 2002 Total Memory Workout, Cynthia Green, 1999 Whole Brain Workouts, Marge Englemann, Elizabeth Ragsdale, and Tom Kinney, 2006
For friends or relatives with mild Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, here are some memory support programs in our area: Crossing Bridges & Meeting of Minds, Alzheimer's Association (South Central Chapter), contact Mary Reines at 608-232-3400 or mary.reinces@alz.org. Early Bird Club, Lutheran Living Services, Waukesha. Jen Nowak, 414-258-4192 or nowakj@lutheranlivingservices.org. HAART Program, Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, ThedaCare Behavioral Health, Appleton. l-800-236-2236 and www.thedacare.org. For programs in your area, please visit www.alz.org.
Brain Fitness Research: |