Jim welcomes back Gary Small M.D., Professor on Aging at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Director of the UCLA Longevity Center. Dr. Small covers a number of important topics regarding brain health, including specific strategies for memory retention and longevity. They discuss the popularity of “brain games” and how some can be effective if used correctly. Dr. Small notes brain games should be fun and engaging to be effective, and some have proven to improve very short-term memory, or “working memory” as well as the ability to think and reason. They also cover the key lifestyle attributes to brain health, which Dr. Small says are more important than genetic factors. They include mental stimulation, physical exercise, social engagement, stress management, a healthy diet, and making wise lifestyle decisions such as not smoking. Dr. Small emphasizes that chronic stress actually shrinks the memory center of the brain, and notes that activities such as tai chi, yoga and meditation can improve mood and even increase life expectancy.
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