Saturday on the Couch: Keeping our brains strong

Now, who amongst those in or approaching their senior years would like to maintain a sharp memory and retain information for longer? I would say that most of us would. 

The preface of this excellent book Keep Your Brain Stronger for Longer  by author Tonia Vojkofsky, PsyD states ‘The greatest fear among older adults is dementia, and as a doctor of psychology specialising in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, I am often asked by seniors in the community “How can I reduce my risk?” My answer is always: Exercise your brain!’

The very short but informative preface offers more gems. Research has shown the benefit of keeping cognitive abilities strong. Those who have challenged their brains throughout their lives have a lower risk of developing dementia. Those who have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) – a large risk factor for dementia – by exercising their brains, can keep their cognitive abilities stronger for longer.

Tonia Vojkofsky has produced a clever, but not difficult workbook of over 200 exercises to exercise our brains. This ‘brain exercise’ must be challenging, and must target various cognitive abilities, not just one (eg doing crossword puzzles). Therefore this book provides what Tonia calls a ‘well rounded workout’ for our brains. 

Each worksheet is labelled with the cognitive ability being exercised. I find the exercises absorbing but completely ‘doable’. There is a set of answers in the back (but of course you won’t cheat) I only looked them up to check I was on the right track.

Tonia suggests that you complete a variety of the exercises, targeting different cognitive abilities in each sitting. Just like a gym workout, all of the muscle groups must be exercised – not just one. She also suggests doing about three hours per week of these cognitive exercises to tone up our brains. I have left my book on the coffee table and try to do half an hour in the afternoon with a cuppa.

I always feel a little nervous doing so called ‘puzzle books’ but I love this one. It is fun. Yes I have to think, sometimes I need a notepad and pencil to work something out, and I needed peace and quiet to complete the tasks. But, surprisingly, I found the tasks both engaging and absorbing – and I am doing something good for my brain. 

Just some of the sections are reasoning, language, executive functioning, visual – spatial, memory, calculation and processing speed. Now, these names might sound alarming, but they are only descriptions of thought processes that we all engage in throughout our days. 

I would suggest that this book would be an excellent purchase for any senior who wants to keep their mind sharp and alert. It is in a paperback format, the instructions are straight forward, the printing and puzzles are clear and easy to read and there are spaces to write down your answers. 

I’m doing mine in pencil so I can rub them out and re-do the book again. This book is wonderful and I cannot recommend it enough, and will certainly purchase a few copies as gifts for a few friends of mine who also struggle with that ‘tip of the tongue’ moment when we forget an event, date or name. 

Well researched, mildly challenging, fun, and most importantly, it is doing your brain some good. Keep an eye out for Keep your brain stronger for longer and give your brain the workout it deserves.

Keep Your Brain Stronger for Longer by Tonia Vojkofsky, PsyD is available now from Dymocks. Click here to learn more.