Tuesday 27th August 2024
Exploring the New Nexus Between Cognitive Longevity and Human Connection
With an ageing demographic and a focus on wellness, pursuing cognitive longevity as we age has become increasingly important. The market for dietary supplements, including cognitive health, was estimated at £442 million in 2020. A survey by Alzheimer’s Research UK found that over 77% of UK adults are aware that it’s possible to reduce their risk of dementia through cognitive stimulation. Peak, a UK-based cognitive training app, has seen over 15 million downloads globally.
However, one thing is abundantly clear: the brain is far more than a machine that needs to be prodded and tweaked to process information better. It is a dynamic, living network that thrives on stimulation and meaningful human connection.
The STRETCH™ program, developed through a collaboration between neuroscientists from UCL and educational experts from Clarendon Tutors, offers a unique lens through which we can explore this intricate relationship between the brain and emotional health.
The Brain as a Living Network
Neuroscience has long understood the brain as a complex, interconnected system, much like a tree with its trunk and countless branches. When maintaining cognitive health, it's not just about keeping the "trunk" sturdy—it's about ensuring that every branch remains alive. You therefore need to stimulate all six key areas of the brain equally, recognising that cognitive decline eventually spreads across all six regions, even though the pattern of decline will be unique to everyone.
The frontal lobe, for example, is integral to our ability to plan, organise, and express our personality. Engaging this area through activities that require forward thinking—like planning a garden or organizing a community event—helps to preserve these essential functions. Similarly, the temporal lobe, responsible for processing sound and language, can be kept active through learning new languages or reminiscing with music. These targeted activities serve not just as exercises for the brain, but as vital links to the episodes of our lives that define who we are.
The Role of Emotion and Connection
There are multiple free online cognitive training platforms now, enabling us to stimulate our brains in isolation. However, interestingly, research shows that emotional engagement plays a crucial role in cognitive resilience. The science behind this is compelling: emotional connections release neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, which are crucial for maintaining brain function and emotional well-being – the oil without which our brains begin to rust.
It’s not just about keeping the brain busy with puzzles; it’s about creating an environment where the brain can flourish through meaningful human connection. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of ageing, where maintaining a sense of purpose and social connection becomes increasingly important.
Consider the impact of these very simple case studies —when Jean recalled a cherished memory through her French conversation with our tutor Anna, or when a familiar song encouraged Anne to join a group music session (she usually avoids group activities at all costs). These interactions do more than just make us feel good; they literally “light up” the brain, activating regions that may otherwise remain dormant, delaying cognitive decline.
The STRETCH™ programme places a strong emphasis on the power of human connection, which is often overlooked in our increasingly digital world. Exercising the six parts of the brain, in a group setting, with an engaging young tutor, to the chorus of laughter, isn’t just entertaining and connecting in the moment, it will enhance cognitive longevity, allowing residents to get more from their lives.
Written by Natalia Douglas, Head of STRETCH ™ Programme
STRETCH ™ operates in Japan, Italy, and across greater London. Clarendon Tutors are currently working with Elysian Residences, Auriens and Riverstone Living from the ARCO community.
To find out more about the STRETCH ™ Programme please see https://clarendontutors.com/60plus/stretch/
