Move It or Lose It!

Move It or Lose It!

Can exercise REALLY alter the structure of the brain? And keep Alzheimer’s away? Science says YES! Stephen M. Rao, a professor at the Schey Center for Cognitive Neuroimaging at the Cleveland Clinic, oversaw s study of almost 100 older men and women, aged 65 to...
Dementia Quiz Answers

Dementia Quiz Answers

1.  What is dementia? Correct Answer : A decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life “Many people think Alzheimer’s is the same thing as dementia,” says David Knopman, M.D., a professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic....
How to be ‘mindful’.

How to be ‘mindful’.

Are you TOO busy? Starting to forget things you would usually remember? Feeling stresses and strains And unwell? ‘Mindfulness’ might be the answer for you. When did you last feel really quiet Peaceful Focused? Paying attention to what is happening for you...
Why does my brain ‘freeze’?

Why does my brain ‘freeze’?

It’s an awful feeling. You are trying a new puzzle A new brain game A new computer program Or hunting for a name ……. And suddenly Your brain FREEZES! You can’t think what to do or say next. Firstly, don’t panic! Everything your brain can do...
Does language-learning protect my brain?

Does language-learning protect my brain?

Have you tried learning a second language?   No, you’re not too old! It’s not too late. Thomas Bak, University of Edinburgh discovered that speaking an extra language slows the mental decline that occurs with ageing. IQ didn’t matter. And how...
Six Ways to Manage Stress.

Six Ways to Manage Stress.

There’s good stress and bad stress. A deadline, for example, can be motivating if you are prepared, have all the research done and you are enjoying writing an article. That’s good. When a deadline is bad for us though is when it is looming, you are short...
Get Social for Your Brain.

Get Social for Your Brain.

Do you live alone? Maybe adjusting to life without a loved one? Is it worth making the effort to get out and about? Wondering how to make a start? You might feel alone, but you are NOT. There are hundreds of people just like you. Waiting for you to make a move. And ...
Get that Tune Out of my Head!

Get that Tune Out of my Head!

Doesn’t it drive you crazy? A tune plays over and over in your head. You didn’t try to remember it. You don’t WANT to remember it But it goes on … and on …. It’s a ‘sticky tune’ Sticky tunes are real. (sometimes called ‘earworms’ ugh!) 90% of people report...
Jazz Brains Are Different!

Jazz Brains Are Different!

  Jazz is in a class of its own. But you might not know That the brains of jazz players work DIFFERENTLY! Charles Limb, John Hopkins School of Medicine professor, loves jazz. He has a listening zone set up in his rooms. One day, listening to John Coltrane, he...
Will poor sleep make me fat?

Will poor sleep make me fat?

Is this you? You didn’t sleep well last night. Or the night before. And the one before that. You tossed and turned and watched the clock creep round. And now you are dead beat. Too tired to make a real breakfast. You grab a coffee and a doughnut and race to work…….....
Sleep Quiz – True or False?

Sleep Quiz – True or False?

      Test yourself on these common sayings about sleep.  1.  Sleep is time for the body in general and the brain specifically to shut down for rest. True or False? Mostly False.  Sleep is an active process involving specific cues for its regulation....
The Importance of Sleep: What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough

The Importance of Sleep: What Happens When You Don’t Get Enough

Sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being. Regardless of age, if you don’t get enough quality sleep, you may experience several negative effects, including: Cognitive Impairment: Difficulty remembering and thinking clearly. Mood Changes: Increased...
Sleep-deprived? How to help.

Sleep-deprived? How to help.

Do you wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep? Read Ted’s story: Ted was exhausted. He seemed to wake every night after only 3 or 4 hours sleep. He knew it wasn’t enough. He woke up tired. He went to work tired. He came home...

New Brainfit® Coaches

In March, two new Brainfit® Coaches graduated from their training and we are delighted to announce that Brain Fit for Life© classes are now available in Christchurch, Onehunga, West Auckland, Remuera and the Eastern suburbs as well as Whanganui, Papamoa and Blenheim...