Train Your Brain

ABOUT THE BOOK Train Your Brain was written to provide older adults, and the people who work with them, with practical and scientifically based suggestions and interventions on how to maintain and even improve memory ability. Researchers have found that certain lifestyle factors predict the likelihood of developing memory problems. Most chapters begin with research summaries, followed by practical suggestions for taking advantage of the identified factors that affect memory. The book also contains information and suggestions for people interested in starting a cognitive enhancement program in an assisted living facility, senior center, or medical setting. Two chapters, "How Memory Works" and "How the Brain Works," provide readers with a foundation of knowledge so they can get the most out of subsequent chapters. The author presents the "Use It or Lose It" theory of memory and aging and the overwhelming evidence that cognitive stimulation is associated with better memory ability; he also provides information on how nutrition, physical exercise, mood, stress, and sleep all affect memory. The book contains cognitive enhancement activities, with instructions, that can be used to create a memory enhancement program for oneself or others. However, even all of this information won't help the older adult who is unmotivated to make the necessary behavioral changes, so the author includes information on how to motivate people to do the things that can improve their quality of life and their ability to make new memories.Intended Audience: Older adults interested in learning about memory, aging, and what they can do to decrease the likelihood of developing dementia; employees of residential care and assisted living facilities that plan to start memory enhancement classes; anyone who wants to learn about memory, the brain, and how both are affected by the aging process; senior center employees, instructors, and volunteers who want to start a cognitive enhancement program at their center; professors and students in gerontology programs; occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, and other professionals working to rehabilitate cognitive abilities. More

Robert G. Winningham, Ph.D., (neuroscience, Baylor University), joined Western Oregon University in the fall of 2000 and is a tenured member of the Psychology Division. He teaches courses such as Cognitive Psychology, General Psychology, Learning and Memory for Instructors, Developmental Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience: Geriatrics, Sensation & Perception, and Theories of Learning. Dr. Winningham has been studying applied memory issues for 15 years, and for the past 10 years has conducted research on older adults' cognitive abilities. More recently he has been researching and designing cognitive enhancement programs for older adults and has helped develop novel approaches to increase the efficacy of physical and occupational therapy. He has been named to Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare. He received the 2005 Mario and Alma Pastega Award for Excellence in Research, Western Oregon University's highest award to faculty for scholarship. In addition to publishing in the area of human memory, Dr. Winningham has made many television and radio appearances. He has also given over 300 invited presentations on memory and aging at nferences and workshops. More