Simple lifestyle changes like incorporating memory exercises, healthy eating, physical fitness and stress reduction in people's daily lives may be able to improve their cognitive function and brain efficiency; according to a UCLA research study published in the June issue of the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

Dr. Gary Small (professor of psychiatry and biobehavioral sciences at the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at UCLA) lead investigator suggests in his new book recently published: "The Longevity Bible: 8 Essential Strategies for Keeping Your Mind Sharp and Your Body Young" (Hyperion, New York, 2006), has asked the study participants to incorporate the following in their daily lives:

• To stimulate the brain, memory exercises such as crossword puzzles and brainteasers were conducted throughout the day.

• To improve physical fitness, participants took daily walks, which have been found to increase life expectancy and lower the risk of Alzheimer disease.

• To improve their diet, study participants on the plan ate five small meals a day, which prevents drops in blood glucose levels since glucose is the main energy source for the brain. In addition, they ate a balanced diet full of omega-3 fats, antioxidants and low glycemic carbohydrates like whole grains.

• To manage stress, participants performed daily relaxation exercises. Small notes that stress causes the body to release cortisol, a hormone that can impair memory and damage brain memory cells.

While it has been advocated that diet and exercise can help people maintain their physical health and live longer, taking care of our mental health is equally important. This study is the first to show the impact of memory exercises and stress reduction in addition to healthy diet and physical exercise improves brain and cognitive function.

Read more at UCLA Newsroom.