Pamela M Peeke, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School Of Medicine in Baltimore, replies: Continually stimulating the neurons in your grey matter is the only way to keep them from dulling with age. Learning new skills helps your neurons stay fresh, but exercise also increases your blood supply to the brain so your neurons become more oxygenated and can make connections faster.
Incorporate a few balance exercises into your workout. Movements that challenge your co-ordination can be as effective at helping you maintain concentration and memory as they are at keeping your reflexes and balance sharp.