The dictionary describes ‘neurobics’ as activities or mental tasks that stimulate the brain and help prevent memory loss.

According to recent and ongoing research neurobic exercises challenge the brain to improve one’s memory and enhance one’s quality of life.

The brain loves a challenge especially a change of routine.

Gareth Rowlands, a St Albans mathematician and a campaigner for people fighting memory loss has built a web site which contains hundreds of memory boosting exercises which can be downloaded free of charge.

The brain exercises which act like a workout for the brain involve using one’s non-dominant hand to write symbols, letters, word, phrases, numbers and sentences and also simple diagrams.

Attempting the exercises daily for 10 to 15 minutes can reap the benefits of improved memory, alertness, greater awareness and happier moods.

Attempting neurobic exercises can be great fun and can be done individually, in pairs or in groups such as families by promoting enjoyable intergenerational activities between the young and elderly.

Other examples of neurobic exercises include using one’s non-dominant hand while performing tasks such as eating, cleaning one’s teeth, doing up buttons while dressing, combing or brushing one’s hair, shutting and opening doors or containers in addition to using two of of one’s senses at the same time such as listening to music whilst drawing or painting a picture.

To get started with neurobic exercises follow the ‘Guide to neurobic exercises’ provided  and then download many more exercises on Gareth’s web site using this link www.battledementia.co.uk