On Wednesday, I attended the first session of an 8-week Brain Booster Challenge hosted by Booming Encore. This free webinar series is a journey into the world of brain science and successful aging. The speaker for the series is Dr. Gillian Leithman, Assistant Professor at Montreal’s Concordia University and founder of Rewire to Retire.
Despite what many people believe, Dr. Leithman made it clear that cognitive decline is not part of normal aging. She suggested we need to start being as proactive about our brain health as we are about our physical health.
Five Facts About Brain Health
In the first session, Dr. Leithman debunked some myths about aging and cognitive decline. Here are five facts about brain health that I took away from the webinar.
Healthy Brains Selectively Retain Important Information
When my kids were small, they used to ask me why I’d forget things. It turns out I was close to the truth when I told them my brain was so full of everyone else’s stuff that some things “just fall out” because I couldn’t possibly retain it all.
Selective retention means our brains prioritize and store the information most relevant to our survival, social interaction, and personal goals—and it discards less significant details.
Sleep is Essential to a Healthy Brain
While we sleep, our glymphatic system works like a rinse cycle for our brain and spinal cord, literally clearing away toxic buildup.
The glymphatic system is particularly effective in removing beta-amyloid—a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Genes do Not Decide Our Fate
When it comes to dementia, we often think our genes decide our fate. It turns out that’s not true. In fact, proper nutrition, physical activity, and mental activity can lower dementia risk even in individuals with the APOE4 gene that’s strongly associated with Alzheimer’s.
Our Life Partner has Significant Influence on Healthy Aging
The person we marry has a greater influence on our longevity and how we age than our genes, likely because of their influence on our lifestyle choices.
Dr. Leithman said the emotional support and protective effects of a satisfying relationship outweigh any genetic predisposition to dementia. And, for people who aren’t married, a strong social network and close friendships can have the same effect.
The Human Brain Can Grow New Cells at Any Age
Neurogenesis is the term used for how our brains produce new neurons—the vital pathways that send information between our brain cells. Contrary to widely held belief that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, we now know the human brain can grow new cells and regenerate at any age.
Aerobic exercise, and social and cognitive stimulation promote neurogenesis. Dr. Leithman said our brain cells light up when we learn new things. The term “Use it or lose it”, comes to mind!
It’s reassuring to hear that cognitive decline as we age is preventable. In the remaining weeks of the series, we’ll dive deeper into some of these topics and learn strategies to protect our brain health. If you’re interested in joining the free Brain Booster Challenge webinar series, visit the Booming Encore site to register.
Which of these brain facts surprised you the most? Drop me a comment below to let me know.
Learn more about me in my bio and on my personal blog at BoomerEcoCrusader.com. You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Thanks for sharing , very informative.
My pleasure. Thanks for reading!
There was a time I was losing memory very fast, I was struggling with remembering so I stated journaling and reading back what I had journaled the past week, with every new week. did this for 5 years and now I think my memory is way better. Reason for forgetting, In blame it partly on smoking w**d.
I didn’t know our life partners influence how we age. That’s a new point learnt. About sleep, that I do take enough of.
Thanks for your comment. I’m happy to hear your memory has improved. Yes, drugs and alcohol definitely have an effect on our memory.
It was interesting to learn about the influence of our partners on aging. It does make sense when you think about it.
Welcome.
Yes, drugs are bad and can really affect us. Yes, very interesting fact about our partners.
What I didn’t know is that cognitive decline is not part of normal aging. I will enrol for the sessions, they seem very interesting. Thank you for sharing Michelle!
The anonymous comment is from Cristiana / Crisbiecoach
The first session was very interesting. I’m looking forward to the rest!
I love that reminder that old dogs CAN learn new tricks. I would assert that it’s essential to keep growing and looking for new things to learn. Keeps us happy and healthy 🙂
I love this info, Michelle! Love that our brains can grow new cells at any age. I’d heard that exercise was key. Good to know sleep is too!
Yes! The first session of the brain booster series was very positive and enlightening. I’m looking forward to session 2 today.