The Woodlands LearningRx offers ways to fight age-related cognitive decline

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - Make this new year count – resolve to maintain a healthier brain, regardless of your age.

Kim Bellini, owner of The Woodlands LearningRx, explains that only recently have scientists discovered neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to build new neurons at any age.

“This is great news for individuals with memory loss, mental decline and learning disabilities,” Bellini said. “But it’s also a boon for those who simply want to continue to improve with age.”

Bellini explained that there are four ways to maintain a healthy brain:

Proper diet. “What’s good for the body, is good for the brain,” Bellini said. There are many types of foods necessary for optimum mental functioning, including fluids, complex carbohydrates, proteins, beneficial fats, and various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Physical activity. “You already know that staying physically active is good for the body, but research now shows that even light to moderate aerobic exercise improves oxygen consumption, which helps the brain to function better,” Bellini said. She added that aerobic exercise – such as walking, bicycling or yoga - has been found to reduce brain cell loss.

Social activity. Bellini said that individuals who participate in social and cultural activities have better overall health, fewer visits to their physicians and a reduced rate of depression. “Maintain your friends, relationships and activities and you’ll support your brain health,” she added.

Mental exercise. The best way to protect and improve brain power is through mental exercise, including crosswords, Sodukos, workshops, puzzles and classes to learn new skills. Neural connections can be strengthened with cognitive skills training -transforming the process of learning by improving a person’s ability to retrieve information, analyze variables and apply logic and reasoning.

Bellini said that while it may be impossible to counter all the effects of age-related cognitive decline, incorporating mental, social and physical exercise, as well as a balanced diet can make a true difference.

Research has shown us that we can now fight the toll of the aging process – and improve brains in people of all ages,” she said. “So why shouldn’t we?”

The Woodlands LearningRx helps clients of all ages reach their full potential. The brain-training center, located at 4840 West Panther Creek, Suite 205, offers unique programs to transform the ability to learn at a core level. For more information, call 832- 482-3082 or visit www.learningrx.com/the-woodlands.