“Enriched Environment”

Apparently, you can thwart the onset or progression of Parkinson’s disease by placing yourself in “enriched environments.”

According to the article “‘Enriched  Environment’ May Boost Brain Health” (see page 5 in this link), the brain is able to generate new neuronal cells (a process called neurogenesis), and this is good because “having plentiful neuronal connections—a ‘brain reserve’—is thought to stave off the onset and progression of brain diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.”

As I understand it, you can increase the number and the density of the neuronal connections in your brain by involving yourself in “enriched environments.”  There are 5 ways to do this:

1. physical activity:  “…any activity that gets blood circulating to the brain is neuroprotective.”
2. good nutrition:  for example, “… foods with omega-3 fatty acids—such as tuna, salmon, herring and walnuts—seem to have a neuroprotective effect.  Vitamins E and C, which are powerful antioxidants, also have shown benefit to the brain.”
3. staying social:  “…individuals who isolate or segregate themselves have higher rates of dementia than those who stay well-socialized.”
4. mental stimulation:  play complex board games; learn a new language; study works of art; read poetry; design your own website and start blogging…
5. meditation and spirituality:  among other reasons, these two options reduce your stress.

I intend to research this some more, so hang on to your hats!