Brain health

During childhood, the brain gets "wired up." During adolescence, the frontal lobe undergoes a surge of development. As an adult, the most important trait of the brain is the ability of the brain to adapt to new experiences. And studies of the brains of older people contradict the once popular belief that adults lose an enormous number of neurons every day.

The Baby Brain

When a baby is born, her brain comes equipped with approximately 100 billion neurons, or nerve cells. With each new experience, this baby's neurons will form neural networks that will transmit information involved in feeling, sensing, thinking, and learning. Her brain will grow at an astonishing rate during these early years, nearly tripling in weight by her third birthday! Research now demonstrates that an enriched environment can strengthen brain development as a baby grows. For example, studies show that animals raised in toy-filled surroundings have more neural networks and more connections than isolated animals.

Some of the findings confirm what parents and caregivers already know — that the way in which a child is raised has an enormous impact on her emotional well being, intellectual level and skills for success. Scientists are learning about the neurological processes that support and go beyond this understanding. Research is showing that experiences, coupled with heredity, literally shape the brain!

Tips to improve your baby's brain:

• Provide warm, responsive care
• Talk to your baby
• Provide your baby with loving touch
• Create a safe, healthy environment
• Let play be an important part of your baby's life
• Sing to your baby and play music
• Read to your baby
• Make sure your baby has safe and responsible child care
• Provide limits that teach with love

The Child Brain

A child's brain is ripe for learning. Neuroscientists have discovered that between toddlerhood and puberty, brain metabolism, as measured by blood sugar consumption, remains very high. The synaptic net of axons and dendrites is thick and ready to absorb new experiences. Many researchers believe that certain skills are easiest to learn during this time.

A dramatic example is the ability to learn language before the age of ten. Children's brains can soak up new words in both their native language and in another language they frequently hear. It is important to remember, however, that learning continues throughout life, and that each child is unique and learns at his own pace.

Tips to improve your child's brain

• Provide a warm, loving, consistent environment. Children always need to know you love them. Show pride in their efforts. And help them build relationships with others.
• Challenge your child with new opportunities, but don't overdo it. Give your child the time and freedom to pursue his or her own interests.
• Provide a healthy diet. Establishing healthy eating habits in children can have lifelong benefits in avoiding obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your pediatrician.
• Require your child to wear a helmet while bicycling, skateboarding, or doing similar activities.
• Always use seat belts. This can greatly reduce the chance of suffering a serious head injury in the car.

The Adolescent Brain

Adolescence is a time filled with changes, both physical and emotional. The adolescent brain is no exception. It is now commonly believed that the brain of an adolescent is much more dynamic than previously thought. The changing physical features that are obvious on the outside of an adolescent are also taking place inside their brain. At various times during childhood and into adolescence, new synapses are made and then pared down, producing more mature brain structures.

All of this pruning can have both positive and negative effects. Sometimes psychiatric disorders, such as ADHD and Tourette syndrome, may be suppressed as a child becomes a teenager. However, some neuroscientists believe that this pruning of connections, which is supposed to result in a more finely tuned brain.

Tips to improve adolescent brain function

• Protect the brain from traumatic injury. Wear a helmet when bicycling, skateboarding, skiing, or participating in contact sports.
• Sleep. Adequate sleep is crucial for proper brain function. Adolescents need lots of sleep; at least 8 hours each night.
• Eat a healthy diet. The brain needs food and the higher quality the better. A good diet is critical for developing a healthy nervous system. Research consistently demonstrates that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will benefit the brain AND the body.
• Drink plenty of water. The brain works best when properly hydrated.
• Physical exercise not only keeps your body in shape; it also keeps your mind sharp. New studies indicate that exercise stimulates new cell growth in the brain increasing mental abilities 20% to 30%.