The older we get, the more we might notice ourselves having certan moments – we forget where we put our keys or our phone or word or name recall seems elusive. Sometimes, that can be attributed to stress overload, a lack of sleep, or simply trying to keep too many balls in the air.
But at some point, seniors or their loved ones may begin to notice more global changes in their cognitive abilities. What was once simple, like remembering a grocery list or our child’s birthday, might require more focused attention and even written reminders. Even rote tasks, like walking across the room or tying a shoe, can suddenly become challenging, increasing the risk of falling.
Cognitive deficits in performing previously automatic daily activities can lead to devastating consequences. In fact, falls are one of the most serious health risks facing seniors, often leading to decreased mobility and loss of independence.
The good news is that these kinds of risks can be minimized with a holistic approach. One of the most valuable things you can do to help a senior avoid disaster is to examine their home environment and reduce the risk of falling. Securing or removing area rugs, decluttering, and keeping frequently used items within easy reach without the need for stepstools and stepladders go a long way.
Naturopathic care is essential to optimizing aging: testing to find out nutritional deficiencies, ensuring proper nutrition for an aging gut, and aligning the gut–brain axis with the right probiotics can help slow cognitive decline and should be part of a holistic approach to optimizing aging.
Neuroplasticity and Brain Health
Did you know there is a way to reverse cognitive decline by enhancing the brain’s capacity for neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity, in short, is your brain’s capacity to form new neural connections through learning and practicing skills. Although neuroplasticity peaks in childhood, the great news is you can reharness this ability at nearly any age. It’s like muscle building, a fundamental concept in personalized brain training.
The cerebellum, located at the base of the brain, works like the “brain’s brain.” It’s the skill center for the whole body and is responsible for automatic movements, balance, and coordination. It’s also where we learn skills that eventually become automatic, such as shoe-tying, reading, and walking.
When the cerebellum is working efficiently, we do learned things without actively thinking. But when it isn’t, it makes tasks much harder to complete, and it can take much longer to learn new skills. An inefficient cerebellum affects balance, coordination, memory, and concentration – making every activity feel like an uphill struggle. This can increase stress, create anxiety, and affect working memory, decision-making, and emotional control.
However, these types of cognitive declines can be reversed with specific exercises and a personalized, proactive cerebellar training plan. By challenging the brain in particular ways that promote neuroplasticity, seniors can stimulate the cerebellum so it’s ready to learn and retain inputs.
Enhancing Neuroplasticity
Research shows that ballroom dancing, learning a new language, and building puzzles each enhance certain aspects of the brain’s functions. Likewise, over twenty years of research have shown how specific, targeted mental and physical exercises can activate and strengthen neural pathways, improve cognitive function, and support longevity, all with a daily regimen of about ten minutes twice a day. Activities that require simultaneous physical and mental engagement are particularly effective for triggering neuroplasticity.
Personalization is the key. Every senior’s capacity is different, and their program should reflect their current ability. Exercises should be gentle but effective, targeting the parts of the brain responsible for processing and storing information.
Using detailed assessments, we offer seniors an app-based, gamified protocol that monitors progress and evolves as the user’s brain becomes more “plastic.” Low-impact exercise routines focus on areas like balance, memory, and mental agility to help create new neural pathways. In many cases, Medicare will reimburse the cost of this program.
Physical exercises are performed while standing or from the safety of a chair, as appropriate. Mental activities are carried out using a smartphone or iPad. Specific exercises are assigned for ten minutes twice a day, and improvements are often realized within a few weeks. Regular assessments and personalized adjustments ensure that the exercises remain effective as seniors progress.
Participants are reassessed every thirty days to track their progress and adapt their routines. This feedback loop ensures continuous improvement and keeps seniors motivated by demonstrating tangible outcomes. Ninety days of steady practice can bring surprising results.
Improving cerebellar efficiency optimizes mental health and enhances overall quality of life. When seniors feel more confident in their abilities, they’re more likely to stay active, engage in social activities, and retain independence. This program provides an easy way for seniors to achieve these goals, helping them lead fulfilling, independent lives well into their later years.
To explore how this program can benefit you or your loved ones, reach out to our office at 860.217.1171 or visit us at SustainableHW.com.
Dr. Dana Lapointe is a naturopathic physician, a certified mental wellness coach, and an avid organic gardener. Practicing in CT since 2010, she offers telemedicine, online coaching, and group wellness programs. She specializes in chronic conditions (especially those involving the gut, skin, weight, and pain syndromes) and mental wellness coaching. She founded Health Empowerment Access League (HEAL), a nonprofit organization aimed at providing pain management, holistic online health education, and increasing access to effective, noninvasive, natural-care options for those in need.
Call 860.217.1171 and visit: SustainableHW.com to learn more.
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