Everyone should know by now that there is a strong correlation between staying mentally active and maintaining a healthy brain. As we noted in step 3 of our 7 Pillars of Brain Health, the brain is very much a use it or lose it organ. Therefore, brain games of various types, jigsaw or crossword puzzles, number or math games like Sudoku, online science based brain training activities, as presented in BrainHQ, Cognifit or Lumosity, are all useful in promoting brain function, focus and memory.
Brain Exercises appear to be especially helpful if they involve or require, learning new things – as discovered in the famous nun study, and reinforced in a UCLA experiment by Dr. Gary Small. In this study Dr. Small and colleagues, found that seniors who learned how to use computers (now more cell phones), and used them for one hour on a daily basis to surf the internet, read email, etc., developed new circuitry and neural flexibility in their brains.(*) But just reading a book, magazine or the Newspaper and/or writing can have a similar effect, as long as the person is learning something new, or sharing something they have learned.
However, there may be something even more important and more effective than computers for promoting brain health, and various mental abilities including memory, and that is social interaction! The process of communicating and otherwise interacting or reminiscing with another person requires and refreshes a variety of intellectual abilities, to include hearing, analyzing, reasoning and remembering stored information – i.e. dusting off the cobwebs from remote regions of our brain in order to access and renew that knowledge.
Moreover, social interaction can also stimulate the production of an amazing brain enhancing hormone called oxytocin. Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin can be released through both physical touch and meaningful social interaction.
Activities like hugging, cuddling, shaking or holding hands, or even a gentle pat on the back can directly stimulate oxytocin release. This happens through specialized nerve fibers in the skin that send signals to the brain’s emotional centers.
While physical touch is a powerful trigger, engaging conversations—especially those involving trust, empathy, vulnerability and caring—can also prompt oxytocin release. For example, studies have shown that sharing personal stories or expressing emotions of love or caring, can increase oxytocin levels, even without physical contact. Activities like group singing, storytelling, or even deep eye contact during conversation may also contribute to oxytocin production.
Oxytocin plays a key role in strengthening social bonds, reducing stress and anxiety, building and strengthening connections in the brain, as well as enhancing feelings of trust, connection and security.
So yes, a heartfelt conversation can be just as good for the brain as a hug—especially when it’s genuine and emotionally resonant.
Conversely a recent meta-analysis examining data from more than 600,000 people suggests that loneliness, or the absence of friendly companionship, increases dementia risk. Those who reported feeling lonely were 31 percent more likely to develop dementia than those who did not, according to the findings.
After the death of a spouse many seniors would like to stay in their home, even though they are alone. But this and related research suggests that it may not be the healthiest option for them. These studies suggest living with relatives or in independent or assisted living communities may help to prolong cognitive health and functional abilities.
As we meet with others to celebrate our independence this month, hopefully we can all find time to meet and greet, hug and hold, others who are dear, if not always near to us, and if distance separates us, at least we can talk, listen, share kind words, joyful memories, and caring feelings. If we can do that, our brains will likely celebrate as well!
American Brain Council
*Small, G., & Vorgan, G., iBrain: Surviving the technological alteration of the modern mind, 2008, Collins Living, NY.