A few months ago I had another in what has become a series of chats with a neurology professor. Both of us are (well) over 60 and, given the two aging presidential candidates at the time, the subject of preventing dementia came up. He noted the standard things - exercise is a powerful tool, avoiding inflammation (you really don't want Covid), etc. There's a genetic component, but that's more in dispute now as it breaks with twin studies - perhaps there's a bad habit component. But actively learning is important.
It seems scans of mentally sharp people with the sort of neural damage you see in dementia are able to continue to do well as they've created a web of alternate pathways - it's like the original idea for the Internet - route around the damage. Even the elderly can do this. The trick is working hard at something that really forces you learn. Doing puzzles or reading is fine, but doesn't do the neural expansion. Learning a new language, how to build things, how to do something that's very confusing and hard at first creates a novel wiring overlay.
I've been known to plunge into new things for the fun of it. I'm generally untalented, but love the experience of seeing some progress in an area I knew nothing about. My neurologist friend does some of the same. He likes playing board games so he's trying to create one. It's given him a lot of respect for those that do it. It's helpful to try something that might be fun as play is a powerful motivator. If you like music, learn how to write something. Try writing poetry. The hardest part may be finding the time - but if you watch tv, perhaps it's the easiest. Turn on the curiosity. I'd love to hear the projects some of you have. It may be worse than what ChatGPT can do, but ChatGPT isn't giving you richer neural pathways. And there may be gains in your current level of creativity.
Just now he sent a video that inspired him.. It's Xyla Foxlin. She graduated from CWRU about five years ago and makes her living taking on unusual projects - (the rocket powered Christmas Tree is a personal favorite) Here she builds a mobius strip violin. She admits she's not an instrument maker and goes on to use real luthiers for helping her with the bridge and a few other issues. It's a fun video! And cheers to her for mentioning Hillary Hahn!
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