MEXICO – A healthy brain through memory exercises in and out of daily routines can delay the onset of neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s , Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, ensures a specialist.

Patricia Garcia Horsman, researcher at the Institute of Neurobiology, National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), recommended new things, because with age people look to have everything settled to save time.

“Our brain changes and becomes stronger every time we learn something new, there are neurotransmitters that are modified, as well as our dendrites that generate more dendritic spines, which are growing as new knowledge is generated,” said the specialist.

Through such connections the comparison made with a muscle brain, in the sense that it is important to exercise to keep it healthy for longer in life, the researcher added.

“What we recommend at the Institute of Neurobiology is exactly the opposite, we must move on things, change its location and use alternate routes when driving,” says Garcia Horsman in an interview with the News Agency of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT).

“All this creates a mental effort to process new information. Unfortunately our brains get used to routines and do not exercise through changing or something new,” said the specialist.

Garcia Horsman notes that contrary to popular belief that older people cannot learn, they can do as anyone, because the brain can learnt during lifetime.

“There are studies that ensure that the brain has the capacity to live 120 years. Therefore, it is important that the elderly exercise their brain with activities such as chess, dominoes, learn songs or play an instrument, play with their children and grandchildren, or just chat with other people,” she said.

Also, we must establish new relationships because it benefits the brain. In addition, good nutrition to provide vitamins and minerals as well as physical activities like cycling, swimming or walking, are good for brain activity, she concluded.