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As we age, protecting our our bodies energetic helps us keep more healthy for longer and protects in opposition to power illness. We are able to additionally train our brains to stop age-related psychological decline with actions like studying aloud, writing by hand, and basic math workout routines.
The concept of “working out” the thoughts is core to the StrongerMemory program, a rigorous mind coaching curriculum developed by the Goodwin Dwelling Basis and examined by George Mason College social employees. Gerontology analysis specialist Emily Ihara, with co-investigator George Mason Tenured Professor of Social Work Catherine J. Tompkins, discovered that psychological train similar to stopping age-related psychological decline resulted in each self-reported and researcher-assessed enhancements in key mind well being indicators amongst older grownup members.
“The StrongerMemory program was associated with both objective and subjective improvements in cognitive functioning among older adults. The components stimulated and strengthened working memory, attention, and decision-making processes,” mentioned Ihara, professor and chair within the Division of Social Work at George Mason’s School of Public Well being (CPH).
In contrast to earlier cognitive train applications, which centered on a single side of mind well being (e.g., reminiscence or consideration alone), the actions of this program had been particularly chosen to stimulate a number of elements of the mind with the aim of combating development of Alzheimer’s Illness and associated dementias (ADRD).
“By combining reading aloud, writing by hand, and simple math exercises, the program engages multiple cognitive pathways, offering broader benefits than single-domain approaches. The results can inform practitioners, policymakers, and families about practical, affordable, non-pharmacological ways to possibly mitigate cognitive decline and promote healthy aging,” mentioned Ihara.
Older adults within the StrongerMemory program participated in three every day actions for 30 minutes per day: 10 minutes every of studying aloud, writing by hand, and finishing basic math issues. This system was tailor-made, permitting members a alternative in studying materials and writing content material. For instance, some older adults selected to jot down letters to household. On the conclusion, implementers interviewed members and carried out assessments on reminiscence recall, verbal fluency, consideration, dates, and placement.
Age-related cognitive decline can embrace reminiscence loss, lapses in consideration, bother performing every day duties, and confusion, amongst others that might be warnings of ADRD. Individuals had been recruited from older grownup residing communities, and self-reported cognitive decline however didn’t have a proper ADRD prognosis.
“Can brain exercises mitigate cognitive decline? A quasi-experimental evaluation of the StrongerMemory program” was revealed July 2025 in Academic Gerontology.
Extra data:
Emily S. Ihara et al, Can mind workout routines mitigate cognitive decline? A quasi-experimental analysis of the StrongerMemory program, Academic Gerontology (2025). DOI: 10.1080/03601277.2025.2528677
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George Mason College
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The mind will not be a muscle, however it nonetheless wants train (2025, October 16)
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