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Mental exercise can improve cognitive abilities from "summary" of The Brain That Changes Itself by Norman Doidge
The brain is a remarkable organ that has the ability to adapt and change throughout our lives, a concept known as neuroplasticity. This means that the brain can reorganize itself by forming new neural connections in response to learning and experience. One of the key ways to harness the power of neuroplasticity is through mental exercise. Just as physical exercise can strengthen and improve the body, mental exercise can do the same for the brain. By challenging our minds with new and stimulating activities, we can enhance our cognitive abilities and build new neural pathways. This is because when we engage in mental exercises, we are essentially giving our brains a workout, which helps to improve our memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. Research has shown that regular mental exercise can lead to a range of cognitive benefits, such as increased brain function and improved cognitive performance. This is because when we push our brains to think in new and different ways, we are stimulating the growth of new neurons and strengthening existing neural connections. In essence, mental exercise helps to keep our brains sharp and agile. Furthermore, mental exercise can help to protect against cognitive decline and reduce the risk of developing conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. By challenging our brains on a regular basis, we can help to maintain cognitive function and preserve our mental acuity as we age. This underscores the importance of incorporating mental exercise into our daily routines to keep our brains healthy and functioning at their best.- The concept that mental exercise can improve cognitive abilities is supported by the principles of neuroplasticity and scientific research. By engaging in challenging mental activities, we can strengthen our brains, enhance our cognitive abilities, and protect against cognitive decline. It is never too late to start incorporating mental exercise into our daily lives to reap the cognitive benefits it offers.
