Do Something New

When people work their brain, they are building new neural pathways. Neural pathways are like highways—they are the routes in the brain by which our messages travel. We want to have as many of these highways as possible.

Many of my newsletters will give you easy ideas and suggestions for building these brain highways.

My inaugural issue covers something I tell every group to which I speak—do something new! It is that simple. Our lives are made up of routines, which provide little exercise for our brain. Anytime you do something a different way, or try something new, your brain has to build new neural pathways. Here are some ideas to get you started.

When people work their brain, they are building new neural pathways. Neural pathways are like highways—they are the routes in the brain by which our messages travel. We want to have as many of these highways as possible.

Many of my newsletters will give you easy ideas and suggestions for building these brain highways.

My inaugural issue covers something I tell every group to which I speak—do something new! It is that simple. Our lives are made up of routines, which provide little exercise for our brain. Anytime you do something a different way, or try something new, your brain has to build new neural pathways. Here are some ideas to get you started.

-Eat a new food.
-Brush your teeth in a different order.
-In the grocery store, start shopping at the other end from where you usually begin.
-Rearrange your silverware drawer, a cupboard, or your medicine cabinet.
-Do anything with your non-dominant hand, e.g. dialing your phone, eating, brushing your hair, writing a note.
-Go to the bank using a different route.
-Get dressed with your eyes closed (except putting on your pants!)
-Get in your bed from the opposite side.

It is that simple. So start by trying one new thing today and you’ve made your fist step toward a lifestyle for a healthier brain.

If you have a good brain tip you would like to share, please e-mail me at jane@doctortornatore.com

Resources I Recommend

Here are the websites of professionals and professional associations I recommend.

The Alzheimer's Association.

I believe this is the first place to contact when anyone is experiencing memory problems.

The national website is: www.alz.org.
The Washington website is: www.alzwa.org


Elderlaw Attorneys

When you are figuring out decisions for later in life, it is important to consult with a lawyer familiar with the legal issues for elders. These three attorneys are excellent and everyone I have sent to them has been very happy with their work.

Janet Smith
http://www.jls-law.com/

Julianne Kocer
http://www.kocerlaw.com/

Mary Wolney
http://www.marywolney.com/



Counseling Websites

http://www.counselingseattle.com
http://www.seattlecounselors.org


Care Managers

Aging Wisdom
Lisa Mayfield, MA, LMHC, GMHS
http://www.agingwisdom.com/
206-660-3276

Aging Network Resources
Jan Pitzer, MSW
(206) 935-3020

Aging Well, LLC
Joan McGinnes, MSW
http://agingwellforum.wordpress.com/
(206) 571-0491


Networking Sites