Regular brain exercise can slow the decline of vital cognitive function as we get older

Just like our body, our brain needs exercise to stay in shape too. With regular cognitive exercise, we are putting our brain in a better position to protect itself from vital brain function decline as we get older. We are also strengthening our brain to perform at its peak every day whether it’s at work or at home.

Our brain is the command centre to the body’s functions such as; moving, talking, thinking, memory, feeling and breathing. It is one of our most vital organs and is a major reason for us to look after its healthy function.

Deanne Ranyard, Head of the National Training Portfolio at CIT Solutions says your brain is like a muscle that needs constant exercise to maintain and prolong optimum function.

"Our lives are so full and busy it’s very easy to forget about our brain health. If we incorporate brain exercise into our daily routine or make sure we participate in continuous cognitive development as much as we can, the benefits will be significant."

According to the Brain Foundation, human mental decline typically begins before 40 years of age and Dementia is Australian’s second biggest killer following heart disease.

Cognitive decline can be attributed to poor prevention tactics that include; decrease in continued learning, substance abuse, bad diet and sedentary lifestyle.

Our research suggests good prevention tactics include; regular practice in challenging cognitive activities, maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical exercise. This will put your brain in a better position to protect itself from losing vital brain function.

Vital brain function includes:

• Memory
• Focus
• Concentration
• Problem solving
• Cognitive processing

"Investing in good prevention tactics can prolong healthy cognitive function which can have a positive impact and improvement on integral brain function", says Ms Ranyard.

What types of challenging cognitive activities are out there?

• Academic study
• Continuous learning
• Reading
• Word games
• Puzzles
• Researching

“There are so many benefits to maintaining our brain health. These benefits can be felt both in and out of the office", says Ms Ranyard.

Benefits of maintaining our brain health include:

• Gain new skills
• Maintains your competitive edge
• Enhances your reliability
• Improves your ability to make sound decisions
• Boosts your confidence
• Embrace challenges
• Solve complex problems
• Ignites your creativity

If you’re interested in investing in your brain health, CIT Solutions has plenty of challenging cognitive activities available to suit all learning and development needs.

• Visit CIT Solutions Nationally Recognised qualifications
• Visit CIT Solutions Professional Workshops
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