: Maintaining a diet rich in flavonoids (found in things like orange juice) and other brain-supporting nutrients. The Takeaway: It’s Never Too Late
: Engaging in "Learning Therapy," which involves reading aloud and performing simple arithmetic (like addition and subtraction) at high speeds. This stimulates blood flow to the PFC more effectively than passive activities like watching TV. Neuroscience and Smart Aging Ryuta Kawashima - DIJ
If you’ve ever picked up a Nintendo DS to check your "Brain Age," you’ve already met the work of . But beyond the handheld games lies a profound philosophy known as Smart Aging —a proactive approach to neurological health developed at Tohoku University’s Smart Aging Research Center . What Exactly is "Smart Aging"? : Maintaining a diet rich in flavonoids (found
Dr. Kawashima defines smart aging as the of growing older, viewing it as a series of developmental stages leading toward intellectual maturity. Instead of fearing decline, his research focuses on how we can use neuroscience to keep our minds resilient and sharp well into our later years. The Power of the Prefrontal Cortex If you’ve ever picked up a Nintendo DS
: Holding and manipulating information in real-time.
One of Kawashima’s most famous cases involved an octogenarian in a near-coma state who, through eye-tracking and eventually reading exercises, regained the ability to sit up and speak. His message is clear: the brain possesses at any age. By dedicating just 5–15 minutes a day to "brain gym" activities, we can significantly reduce the symptoms of cognitive aging. Neuroscience and Smart Aging Ryuta Kawashima
Kawashima discovered that simple, rapid tasks—rather than complex puzzles—are often more effective at "lighting up" this area of the brain. 3 Pillars for a Sharper Brain