Brain Muscles: Excercise Daily

In previous articles, I have written about using computerized games and very simple “every-day” ways you can work the “Noodle” to its max. In researching brain health, I have found so many interesting things pertaining to brain health and how we can stay “sharp” as we age, or even while we are young.

Although much remains to be discovered about learning and memory, scientists have already put together important pieces of the puzzle. For example, the brain appears to process different kinds of information in separate ways and then store it differently. Isn’t that amazing? We have different storage units in the brain, which, by the way, weighs approximately 3 pounds at age 20 and starts a very slow reduction in weight after that. Each storage unit stores a specific type of information or knowledge.

The two types of knowledge are declarative knowledge and nondeclarative knowledge. Declarative knowledge can be grouped into working memory, episodic memory, and semantic memory. Working memory allows us to keep and use information in our minds and is mediated by a network of areas in the cerebral cortex. It is a type of transient, “online”memory that enables us to retain what someone has said just long enough to reply and depends on the prefrontal cortex. Episodic memory lets us store and replay events in our minds. Semantic memory includes raw facts and data and is stored throughout the cerebral cortex. Part of the brain plays a role in integrating new episodic memories into the semantic memory storehouse. In contrast, nondeclarative knowledge, the knowledge of how to do something, is expressed in skilled behavior and learned habits.

We know that physical exercise is not only good for our physical well-being, but stimulates our brain cells, We also know that doing “mind” games, either on a computerized device, or with pencil and paper is good, we know that reading (and particularly outloud) is a brain stimulant, learning a foreign language, etc., etc. But did you know that listening to music has a strong affect on the brain in the area of memory?

In studies performed on students of foreign languages they were able to learn hundreds of vocabulary items in one day when listening to appropriate music. What is more, they remembered the words over time at a level of 92% retention. It has been proven that with the use of baroque classical music, such as Mozart, or classical jazz memory retention is improved and retained.

Not all the effects of music on the brain are positive. Some types of music can cause disruptive interference between the right and left sides of the brain—causing confusion. We’ve all experienced this, when trying to concentrate on a task while loud or disruptive music is being played. The types of music that cause these adverse affects on the brain are mostly aggressive forms of music such as heavy rock or rap. It could be attributed to the fact that too much repetition leads to feelings of anger or hostility.

To achieve positive effects of music on the brain, music must have certain attributes—it needs to be fairly complex (thus classical is perfect) to involve more of the brain in the activity and keep the person interested.

Listening to music may not increase your IQ, but it puts you in a better state to access what is already there. If you are interested in finding more information check out a web site: www.vth.biz, which markets CD’s that can be played on iPod’s, CD players, etc. that is music recorded for specific brain enhancement purposes. BrainAmp Imagince iMusic is advertised as “Mental Muscle Training Music for the Ultimate Brain Blasting Workout”. The music is designed as a high-tech that broadcasts acoustical stimulants into your ear and sensory cortex igniting waves in the brain—it’s like a “wake-up” of the brain. Imusic calls is Frequency Following Response or Brainwave Entertainment.

In the near future I hope to be able to provide a list of Classical music that will give good brain responses without having to purchase the software.