Neuroscience has come a long way from believing the brain is inelastic and incapable of change. While that myth has been disproven through rigorous science, other myths about the brain and how it functions still remain. Debunking those brain myths and understanding the real facts will help you and your loved ones take better care of this vital organ. Here are some of the most common brain myths you should put out of your mind:
MYTH #1: Memories are recorded and can be retrieved accurately (like a camera). The truth is, our memories are affected by a number of factors, including emotions, context, and motivation, and as such, are actually unreliable.
MYTH #2: One particular part of the brain stores memories. Memories are actually broken down and stored in different places of the brain – and before a memory can be recalled, it has to be pieced back together from these deconstructed fragments.
MYTH #3: Brain cells are lost each day and cannot be replaced. Until recently, it was accepted as fact that our brains had a certain number of cells at birth that could only be decreased. It’s now known that keeping the brain healthy enables it to add new cells throughout a person’s lifetime.
MYTH #4: Sudoku and crossword puzzles improve your memory. The key to sharpening memory is introducing the brain to new and complex tasks rather than anything that is routine. Although a daily crossword puzzle can help you excel at crossword puzzles, it does nothing for overall cognitive improvement.
MYTH #5: Young adults have better memories than seniors. Not necessarily so! It’s been shown that baby boomers are less forgetful than their millennial counterparts, due to factors such as less sleep, more stress, and poor lifestyle choices.
Check out more brain and memory myths and the truths behind them at Be Brain Fit.
Regardless of our health status, everyone experiences changes in brain function as we age. Those changes, large or small, can pose challenges to aging patients and their caregivers. Let the experts at Live Free Home Health Care help you manage these challenges, armed with the latest resources and knowledge. At Live Free Home Health Care, all our caregivers receive training from our Certified Dementia Practitioner.
Live Free Home Health Care serves the cities of Laconia, Meredith, Center Harbor, Moultonborough, Gilford, Center, and Sandwich, with top-quality elder care and respite care providers. Contact us today to find out how we can help your loved one stay brain smart.