is often called “muscle memory,” is a well-documented connec- tion between the mind and the body. Physiologists understand it has to do with the manner in which the human brain functions. As actions are repeated by an individual, eventually they become “second nature”: the person can automatically repeat these “without thinking about them.” We acquire these automatic routines through our basal ganglia, an organ in the central brain that plays a key role in voluntary muscle movements, emotional expression and, importantly, the development of habits. To sup- port the building of new habits, the basal ganglia interacts with other parts of the brain to open new neural pathways, to release dopamine—the chemical that signals brain cells to communicate with one another—and consequently to reinforce the memories we possess and give us new memories. This implies that, when we learn new “automatic” routines, we also create pathways for other types of new memories. Understanding how memories are formed is key not only for our understanding of how memories are made, but also for un- derstanding memory loss. Scientific researchers in many fields are working valiantly to uncover the reasons for memory loss and for ways to avoid it, particularly from the various forms of dementia. In this regard it’s certainly worth noting that, as borne out by study after study, those physical activities designed to add new habits and new automatic responses have proven amaz- ingly helpful in resisting memory loss and delaying the onset of dementia. This truth was borne out in a recent article in the New York


Times entitled “Supplements Won’t Prevent Dementia, but These Steps Might.” Reporter Paula Span writes that there is no evidence- based proof that the spate of patent medicines and herbal drugs currently being advertised to prevent memory loss have any impact on dementia at all. There is ample evidence, however, that exercise along with other positive health measures are the best way to forestall and treat memory loss. She quotes a study published in The Lancet, the British medical journal, demonstrat- ing that social interaction, well-regulated blood pressure, smok- ing cessation, weight management and physical exercise “could prevent or delay a third of dementia cases.” It’s clear that physical activity is an essential tool in fighting the onset and progression of memory loss—and it’s a tool that’s effective at every stage of dementia. The question becomes, what sort of physical activities work best for those desiring to open neural pathways and get brain cells communicating with one another? To be sure, mental exercises—such as doing math or cross-


word puzzles—have been demonstrated to enhance cognitive abilities. Physical exercises can also offer the same mental stimulation, along with the added benefits of improved circula- tion, oxygenation, and healthier body chemistry. In this sense physical exercise, for those who are able to participate in it, is superior to purely mental exercise. We also know that those forms of physical exercise involving a variety of challenges and distinct actions are better for maintaining and enhancing cognitive abil- ity: tennis serves better than jogging, so to speak. Not everyone is able to participate in strenuous physical


activity, however, and it is often the case that those who would most benefit from such types of exercise are not able to learn them adequately. For those who are not able to exercise vigor- ously, as Dr. Joyce Gomes-Osman wrote in her Harvard Health Publishing article for Harvard Medical School, “What Kinds of


Transpersonal Hypnosis for Mind, Body, Spirit


New group night classes starting for


weight reduction, smoking cessation, stress relief and meditation.


Call for info on dates and pricing.


Robert M. Merlin, BA, BCH, CI, CNLP, PLRT, LBLT, SEP, MHT


• Consulting Hypnotist • Board Certified Master Hypnotist


• Board Certified NGH Instructor • Board Certified in Past Life Regression


Merlin Centre for Hypnosis & Enlightenment Inc. 1850 Pembroke Road • Greensboro


336-275-0702 www.merlincentre.com info@merlincentre.com APRIL 2019 9


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