HONOLULU (HI Now) - Lifelong learning plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health by building cognitive reserve, which helps protect against symptoms of dementia. Think of cognitive reserve as a fuel tank—the more you fill it, the less likely you are to experience cognitive decline. Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to change, happens most when we struggle through learning something new, even when it feels frustrating. Staying curious and engaging in mentally stimulating activities—like challenging games, dancing, or music—can benefit both individuals and caregivers. However, online brain games are not effective in improving overall cognition; they only enhance performance on specific tasks rather than real-world thinking skills.
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