BrainHQ allows you to exercise your mind

Georgia Mergler is community relations manager of the Washington-Centerville Public Library. She can be contacted by email at GMergler@wcpl.lib.oh.us.

When I’m not working full time to promote the Washington-Centerville Public Library, I can be found teaching group cycling classes at my local YMCA. My fitness instructor job gives me a front row seat to the many people who have made physical fitness a priority in the new year.

Good for them! It seems like more and more people however are coming to understand the importance of brain fitness, as well.

The American Alzheimer’s Association report than an estimated 5.4 million Americans of all ages had Alzheimer’s in 2016. Furthermore, they predict these numbers will escalate rapidly in coming years, as the baby boomer generation reaches age 65 and beyond. Barring a cure, by 2050, nearly 14 million could be afflicted with this brain disease.

Research also shows that putting your brain through a workout can stave off Alzheimer’s and dementia by stimulating brain activity. The library can help get those neurons firing in a variety of ways from reading and listening to books, to taking advantage of a new online resource called BrainHQ.

As with physical exercise, brain exercise can help you test your brain and improve your performance in order to feel your best. BrainHQ allows you to exercise your memory, attention and more by using more than two dozen brain-training exercises organized into six categories:

• Attention

• Brain speed

• Memory

• People Skills

• Intelligence

• Navigation.

BrainHQ even offers customized brain training programs designed to help people drive better, hear in a crowded room or even become more navigationally adept. Most internet-connected devices are compatible with BrainHQ, meaning you can access it from your computer, tablet or even via a smartphone app. BrainHQ is a free service that only requires a Washington-Centerville Public Library card.

Make mental fitness part of yournew year's resolution. For more information on Washington-Centerville Public Library, go online to www.wclibrary.info.

About the Author