By Dr. Laura Whipple DC

Neurobics is a term that was introduced in a book written over 20 years ago called “Keep Your Brain Alive”.

It describes the action of doing exercises for the brain with the intent to improve cognitive function and decrease decline. Neurobics works by improving our brains ability to remodel itself. New connections and cell growth are stimulated when we train our brain in novel ways.

The brain contains over 86 billion neurons. By age 3, children have an average of 15,000 connections in one neuron, the average adult has only half this. The old adage “use it or lose it” rings true here.

Once upon a time, neuroscientists believed that brain development stopped in childhood but, brain research shows us that our ability to create and grow new connections exists throughout life. Environments and routines that are different stimulate new learning and brain growth.

Being a creature of habit is a disadvantage where brain development is concerned. A regular routine reinforces the same connections in the brain and causes the areas you don’t use to shut down. A great example of this is found amongst cab drivers in London, England. Research showed that they had an oversized brain area called the hippocampus.

London is an extraordinarily difficult city to navigate and a cabbie’s job requires an exceptional ability to remember how to get from point A to B in the most efficient way. The hippocampus is responsible for storing long term memory and spatial relationships. Exactly what you would expect to see in a group of people with a job description that requires them to be an expert navigator. Our brain develops to suit our daily routine and new growth is inhibited.

Neurobics encourages us to try new routines in order to stimulate brain growth and development at any stage in life.

Here are some excellent ways to challenge your brain:

• Learn a new skill or sport;
• Balancing exercises;
• Brush your teeth and try eating with your non dominant hand;
• Do parts of your regular routine with closed eyes. For example, getting dressed or putting your shoes on;
• Drive different routes to regular destinations. Use a map, turn off navigation on occasion; and
• Shop at a different grocery store, try a farmer’s market, take a different path to regular store.

These are a few of my favorites but really anything new that breaks our routine will encourage the development of new connections. It is also important to get quality sleep, eat well, eliminate toxins, exercise and reduce stress. A healthy lifestyle will encourage cell growth and repair. This means that your brain will have everything it needs to grow and get stronger.

Dr. Laura Whipple has a BSc in Neuroscience and is a Doctor of Chiropractic. She has been in practice for 20 years and recently joined Dr. Lenz and Dr. Savoia at the Los Alamos Chiropractic Center. Dr. Whipple’s practice focuses on posture and performance using a combination of soft tissue release, adjustments and exercise recommendations. She also coaches patients on self-care and body awareness so they can manage themselves in between visits. Los Alamos Chiropractic Center is in the Mary Deal building on Trinity Drive.