FIVE WAYS TO GIVE YOUR BRAIN A BOOST

Did you know the brain weighs two to four pounds, is the most fatty system in the body, and consumes 25 percent of the blood from every heartbeat? Guests learned those facts and more when Covenant Village of Golden Valley hosted Paul D. Nussbaum, Ph.D., a clinical neuropsychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He presented “Give Your Brain a Boost” to more than 100 guests on Sept. 16, 2014.

“Dr. Nussbaum offered great insight into how important social, mental and physical stimulation is to long-term brain health,” says Gary Gardeen, executive director of Covenant Village. “His suggestions underscore our community’s commitment to resident-directed, whole person wellness, which is the crux of our LifeConnect® wellness partnership.” LifeConnect® is a partnership with residents to help them achieve their personal goals, whether they are social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical or vocational.

During the event, Dr. Nussbaum explained the basic functions of the brain and provided tips to prevent or delay brain disease and maintain a healthy brain. Attendees learned that brain health begins in the womb and can continue as you age if you engage in novel and complex activities.

“The brain is shaped by its surroundings. Exposing it to enriched environments throughout a person’s lifespan will lead to new brain cell development and increased cellular connections, known as synaptic density or brain reserve, which may help delay a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” says Dr. Nussbaum.

Dr. Nussbaum outlined five domains in which one should engage to maintain an active brain health lifestyle. They are:

• Socialization — join groups, develop hobbies, and maintain family and friend relationships;


• Physical activity — walking, dancing, gardening, knitting and aerobic exercises help reduce the risk of dementia;


• Mental stimulation — participate in complex mentally stimulating activities such as playing board games, learning a new language, traveling or playing a musical instrument;


• Spirituality/meditation — reduce stress and enhance the immune system; and

• Nutrition — increase foods with Omega 3 and antioxidants; decrease the intake of processed foods and red meat.

Dr. Nussbaum will return to Covenant Village of Golden Valley in the spring of 2015 for “Give Your Brain a Boost, Part 2.”

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 1 p.m., renowned Alzheimer’s research expert Dr. William Frey will share information on his patented treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, and other neurological disorders. To RSVP for this event or receive additional information about Covenant Village of Golden Valley, please call 877–804-7017or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org.

About Covenant Village of Golden Valley

Covenant Village of Golden Valley, a faith-based, not-for-profit, continuing care retirement community, is located at 5800 St. Croix Ave. N., Golden Valley, Minn. It is administered by Covenant Retirement Communities, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit senior services providers. Covenant Retirement Communities serves 5,000 residents at 15 retirement communities nationwide and is a ministry of the Evangelical Covenant Church. For more information on Covenant Village of Golden Valley, call (877) 804-7017 or visit www.CovenantVillageofGoldenValley.org.