The great Barbara O’Neill says three of the most powerful ways to build new dendrites (branching protoplasmic processes that conduct impulses toward the body of a neuron) of the brain are… learning a new language, learning a musical instrument, and memorization. (She recommends Bible verses.) O’Neill states that our brains can continue to be renewed and until our dying day if we exercise them.
Keep the brain young by learning new things!
Now I have lived long enough to lose one of my sets of grandparents. My grandma lived into her 80s and had a sharp mind, but was physically weak. My grandpa lived into his 80s and was physically fit but struggled with memory issues. I have often wondered “what if” and “what could we have done to prevent _______ from happening”?
Let’s check out some ways to keep the mind sharp and those brain cells renewing.
LEARNING INSTRUMENTS
About once a week I think, “I’ll start piano lessons again…” and then I don’t. But that is because my introversion gets the best of me. (And I can never justify the cost of lessons when I have a house to maintain and chickens to feed.) But guess what! There are affordable online courses that not only provide you with quality lessons, but access to the course AND you can go at your own pace. If you ask me that’s a win/win/win. For piano lessons check out PIANO FOR ALL.
Maybe you’re more interested in guitar. You can try learning with EXPRESS GUITAR. This program boasts no expensive membership fees, instant access and working at your own pace.
LEARNING A LANGUAGE
One word. Pimsleur. You’ve heard of Rosetta Stone. You’ve heard of apps like duolingo. Let me tell you. The Pimsleur approach is the BEST one I’ve ever tried. Long story short I want to learn Korean. (I also want to learn Mandarin-Chinese and Spanish, but one thing at a time.) I have bought books and watched Korean TV and learned the alphabet. Nothing helps so well as the Pimsleur cds I purchased. 10/10 would recommend. The best part is they are cds that can be downloaded to your phone or computer. In addition, you can get them on audible! Dozens of languages are available.
Here are some I found on amazon:
MEMORIZATION
Now, do you HAVE to memorize scripture to keep the brain active? No. You can memorize lots of things. Shakespeare. Factoids. Dates. Formulas. You can memorize anything. But it could do the heart, mind, and soul some good if you chose to focus on scripture. : )
HOW to improve memory is the question. Well… there are programs like Black Belt Memory , Pro Mind Complex or Zox Pro Brain Power Training to learn to have a photographic memory.
There are supplements like Cortexi, NeuroRise and Neurodine…
You can try brain training with Sudoku!
The possibilities are endless. If you decide to give something a try please let me know! I have my eye on Blackbelt Memory, which claims to help with remember names/faces, and learning languages!
Watch what happens to your brain cells when we learn something! (IT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW!!)
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Redheaded Jill 
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