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VITAL OR VESTIGIAL Current science can now draw a connection between brain health and use. Research has revealed that the brain, like any other organ or appendage, will deteriorate with lack of use. According to Marilyn Chase in the Health Journal column of The Wall Street Journal (11/21/94), in an article entitled Feed Your Brain, And It May Thrive In Old Age: "For even though adult humans don't grow new neurons (like babies and chickadees), researchers speculate that lifelong mental exercise can nourish growth of new connections called dendrites and synapses. Such growth can, in effect, cushion [buttress] the brain against developing early symptoms of aging -- even in those who are genetically vulnerable to Alzheimer's." Even over the age of 70 or 80, people can respond to new knowledge and significantly improve their mental function and acuity. The article continues: "This principle isn't wishful thinking. It's wired into our brain cells, says Arnold Scheibel, Director of the Brain Research Institute at UCLA. "'The brain stem has an area called the reticular formation,' says Dr. Scheibel. '[It's] wired to respond selectively to the new and exotic. This was a survival mechanism when we were on the lookout for predators. Now, new challenges [activate] your reticular formation and stimulate growth of dendrites. "'We encourage people not only to remain active, but to take up new pursuits,' says Dr. Scheibel...... This helps to explain why some are doddering old fools at 60, and some appear bright and youthful at 90. The former closed themselves off in a safe and tight little cocoon, shutting out light and learning, while the latter never quit, keeping themselves active, alert and informed. In a nutshell, to capsulize these comments on the brain, it might be said one must use it or lose it. |