How meditation can improve memory
- Tue, 11 Sep 2007
We all know that people who meditate claim it makes them calmer and more focussed. Now scientists understand why - it grows the brain.
Time magazine reports that a study at Massachusets General Hospital of people who meditate for 40 minutes a day found that they had a noticeably thicker cerebral cortex - the part of the brain that controls decision making, attention and memory.
It seems that simple meditation exercises like focussing on an image, sound or breathing strengthens the brain's ability to concentrate. And importantly it can also stave off the natural thinning of the cortex that occurs as we age, helping prevent age-related memory loss.
Scientists are discovering more and more ways in which we can regulate and control our brains and stave off age-related brain deterioration. Another proven way to do this is through brain-training games such as those devised by HeadStrong.
Brain Training regularly also defends the brain against ageing diseases like dementia and Alzheimer's disease. If you're over 50, Headstrong's computer software games can stimulate and strengthen your brain's pathways to ensure your mind stays as fit and active as your body.