Longwood at Oakmont Residents Learn About Brain Health

Last week, about 80 Pittsburgh-area residents gathered to learn facts about the brain and more at Longwood at Oakmont, a Presbyterian Senior Care Continuing Care Retirement Community located along Route 909 in Plum.

Longwood at Oakmont hosted an educational seminar entitled “Your Brain Health and Brain Health Lifestyle” with Dr. Paul Nussbaum, a clinical neuropsychologist and adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh.

“Brain health is a topic that concerns many caregivers and older adults, and as a community dedicated to providing our residents with life enriching opportunities and activities, we feel it is important for everyone to be aware of ways to keep their brains fit,” Michael Haye, Executive Director at Longwood at Oakmont, said in a statement. “Dr. Nussbaum provided attendees with great insight into the untapped potential of the brain, and how important social, mental and physical stimulation is to long term brain health.”

During the event, Nussbaum educated older adults about the basic functions of the brain, and provided tips on building up brain reserve and maintain a healthy brain lifestyle. Attendees learned that brain health begins in the womb and should continue as you age by engaging in novel and complex activities.

“The brain is shaped by its surroundings, and by exposing it to enriched environments throughout a person’s lifespan will lead to new brain cell development and increased cellular connections—known as synaptic density or brain reserve±which may help delay a neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and related dementias,” according to Nussbaum.

Nussbaum also informed attendees that there are five “domains” that people should engage in to maintain an active Brain Health Lifestyle, which include the following:

• Socialization—join groups, develop hobbies, and maintain family and friend relationships.
• Physical Activity—walking, dancing, gardening, knitting and aerobic exercises help reduce the risk of dementia.
• Mental Stimulation—participate in complex mental stimulating activities such as playing board games, learn a new language, travel or play a musical instrument.
• Spirituality/Meditation—helps reduce stress and enhances immune system.
• Nutrition—increase foods with Omega 3 and antioxidants and decrease the intake of processed food and red meat.

For more information about Dr. Paul Nussbaum, visit www.paulnussbaum.com.